Well, it's -17 as I write this so little more needs to be said. The bike is safely up on a jack and under cover so I'm not piling on the extra miles for 5 months out of the year. I get to sit around and think of new ways to spend money on improvements so when it comes out in the spring, it will be just like I want it (right).
Actually, my wife and I moved back to the cities 17 years ago after spending 5 years in San Diego, 4 years in Pierre, SD, and 2 years in Sioux Falls, SD. The twin cities is an outstanding place to live, work and play. We've got lakes, trees, arts, fishing, hunting, great riding (motorcycles and snowmobiles) and weather. Boy have we got weather. Thunderstorms, tornadoes (6 miles from our house this year) blizzards, scorching heat and this week's little gift of sub-zero temps. Actually though, my wife and I love weather. We got 3 inches of the most beautiful snow yesterday, the whole area looks like a snow globe. Got out my snow blower last night and plowed out 4 driveways (nothing like seeing someone's face when they get home and see they don't have to shovel). Took one of the dogs for a walk last night (when it was still 17 ABOVE) and he had the time of his life plowing through the drifts and snow. Winter has its advantages and spring is just around the corner.
Minneapolis has one of the greatest downtowns in the world and you can walk for miles inside in the winter and never leave the skyways. The people are friendly, it's a great place to raise a family (even if it's just 3 dogs), you can fly almost anywhere on a direct flight and now we have Al Franken as our Senator. Some things you just can't explain!
Now that we are back into riding scoots, we talk about getting a place in the sun when we retire and that may happen. Perhaps we'll just mooch off our remaining friends and relatives in warmer climates.
For now, no complaints here. We are blessed to live in a free country with unlimited opportunities!