See that? That would be the Chicago River outside my window this morning.
Yes, it is frozen.
Those barges? Yep. Also frozen.
Liz Strauss posted a picture of Belmont Harbor on Instgram. Belmont Harbor, also frozen. Notice how there are no boats in the harbor, which seems obvious now. In Vancouver, though, the boats are in the harbor year round. Walk along the SeaWall at any time of the year, walk around False Creek, and you will boats in the harbor. Fishing boats. Sail boats. Yachts. The water in Vancouver doesn’t freeze. The Pacific Ocean, along that coast, doesn’t freeze. So when you grow up in Vancouver, the concept of a frozen harbor is foreign. When you grow up in the Midwest, in Chicago, the concept of boats in the harbor year round is foreign.
Now I’ve experienced both, and some ask me if I wish I were back in Vancouver now, where it is, well, warmer.
There was a moment when yes, I did wish to be back in Vancouver, but it passed.
I’ve come to learn that I thrive on variety. I need it. When there isn’t any, or not enough, I get complacent. When I get complacent, I get bored. When I get bored, I get grouchy. When I get grouchy, I’m no fun to be around. So while the weather is Vancouver is mild, it is always mild. There are still leaves on the trees! You learn to appreciate non-rainy days, and really make the most of sunny days this time of year. But you can still go out and do the same activities you did in the Fall or Summer. You can still go out, like you did in the Fall and Summer.
That gets boring to me. Which isn’t to say that I don’t like it, or didn’t enjoy the mild winters. Being able to walk outside year round was wonderful! I miss seasons, though. I miss the changes that happen to people, and to the city, as the seasons change.
So yes, it is ridiculously cold out, but hey, this is Winter! The kind of Winter our grandparents, or great grandparents, talked about. The kind of Winter that builds character.
And provides some great pictures.
Stay warm Chicago!