Winter arrived without warning. We seemed to have a late fall until suddenly a blue northern, as we called it, blasted cold air from the north. Where was north I wondered; at the North Pole with Santa?
No place on Earth it seemed could be colder than West Texas when a northern blew in and it was blue. My father wrapped the outdoor pipes. He brought in extra wood for the two wood stoves we had, and coal for the fireplace to help the wood burn longer.
Standing beside the 'measuring tree'.
Long stockings came out of drawers for me to wear to school. I pretended to hate them and groaned, but they felt good on my legs. A newly knitted sweater that I had seen in the making was ready just in time for me to wear. And out came undershirts, too. We girls still wore dresses, no slacks at school allowed. I had boys pants my parents ordered for me out of the Sears Catalogue to play in which I loved. As much as I liked dolls and girl things, I really loved playing cowboys and hiking in the surrounding hills.
Winter quietly brought the family together. We were either in the kitchen doing our homework or listening to the radio in the living room if no one was practicing the piano. We sometimes played games like dominoes, Chinese checkers, regular checkers, and old maid. It was also a nice time to quietly enjoy reading.
Winter was a cozy time, always a together time with hot chocolate, often covered with a melting marshmallow or perhaps we made a bowl of popcorn. I treasure those memories of family together with my mother and daddy and my older siblings. Daddy had his special chair and lamp where he read. Mother was in another chair near the fire where she read or crocheted or mended socks. A happy scene, each of us busy with his or her own activities or pastimes. The phone seldom rang at night. There were few if any interruptions, no television to watch, only radio which had great programs. Bedtime came fairly early and pleasantly.
Winter brought Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s to look forward to and then simple but delightful holidays loomed ahead, like George Washington’s birthday. We celebrated each together and appropriately, both at school and at home. I don’t remember a mad rush at Christmas. It was just pleasant and warm with beautiful music, simple gifts and surprises. We cut our own tree, and all participated in decorating. We exchanged homemade Valentine’s which was fun.
I have such warm loving memories of cold winter days.
