Weighing the Good with the Bad of Winter

The first of 2 snow storms in January 2026.
January 15th snowfall total 26 inches.

The winter of northeast Ohio 2026 has been a long one. I am greatly appreciating the slight warm up we are experiencing the 3rd week in January. When I was lashing out at this incredibly long winter, I needed to obtain some prospective. Time to create a list!

Bad 

1.  Cold gives me physical pain in the form of muscle spasms and headaches.

2.  Ice makes me fearful of falling and injuring myself.

3. Concern for the safety of my family (and others) who have to drive on snowy roads in frigid conditions and driving alongside those who may not make the best driving decision or have the skills to drive in Ohio winter weather. 

4. Being inside for a week at a time (see #1) and not being able to take a walk, tool around the yard or sit outside in a park.

5. Isolation from other humans.

6. Ice cold hands and feet that won’t warm up for an hour (atleast).

Good

1. The quiet of winter.

2. Time to do house projects, paint and puzzles.

3. It is acceptable to spend a weekday watching a trash television show or movie.

4. Cooking and baking comfort foods.

5. Snow days! A snow day = extra time in my pjs and no expectations for the day.

6. When the temperature rises and the sun is out and there is still snow on the ground, and I take my grandson sled riding in the backyard.

7. The beauty of icicles, the fresh snow on the bare tree branches and the glistening snow under the moonlight.

8. An abundance of free time to plan my summer and fall trips. 

9. Picking up my grandson from pre-school and sticking our tongues out to catch snowflakes on the way to the car.

10. A fire in the woodburner and snuggling under a blanket.

11. The new super warm coat my husband got me for Christmas.

12. Making specialty cold weather drinks - Cinnamon Roll Chai Latte for me and Hot Cocoa with whip cream and sprinkles for my husband and grandson.

The good out weighs the bad everytime. But cold is still cold.