Let's talk about the weather, because I know you and I can relate.

I woke up today with three inches of snow on the ground, with plenty more inches predicted. Last night, when I checked the weather I could have sworn it only said "flurries." I'd like to think that this is the last day of snow, but the (mostly unreliable) 10 day forecast predicted a few more days of this wintery whiteness.

My friend has been struggling with the cold this whole winter. The snow started December 1st and didn't stop for months. Milwaukee has been sitting in the Top 10 snowiest winters in the city's history for a while now, and as a result, cabin fever struck early. Her body temperature also runs a few degrees colder than a normal person (she's chilly at 70 degrees).

I haven't found the whole mess to be terribly useful either, but there is one small aspect that I have learned to appreciate. With the fresh snow cover every few days, we've managed to avoid the gross, salty, sandy banks that stick around for months at a time, just getting dirtier, grimier, a blacker with each passing car. Instead, every few days the banks are refreshed and clean again.

Fresh snowbanks, especially this time of year, can't compare to the smell of spring rain, the feel of the warm sun, or the delight of walking through the house without getting your socks wet, but the bright, clean, quiet flakes bring a small amount of peace.

Doorman Pete

The illustration is a portrait of the Doorman at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. He looks like a Mr. Fancypants, and he is probably one of the friendliest guys you'll ever meet (based purely on looks). I wanted to capture the jovial attitude that he radiated.

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