Cold Weather Tough

Do you know what is the toughest part of handling cold weather? Getting into a little car swathed in multiple layers of warm stylish clothes, that's what.
When I bought my Glacial Ice blue two-door Hyundai Accent, it was a perfect fit for a body under five foot three inches tall! It was designed in some far off country just for me. Picture this: dressed in tank top, shorts, sockless deck shoes, I slipped behind the wheel sucking up the beautiful spring weather in Washington state. Glorious sun warming temperature of 72 degrees. Well that ideal day is duplicated many, many days throughout the year. So I am home free. Except....
When our small blue dot goes on its annual silly ellipse around ol' Sol the temperature drops down below the freezing mark. My honey tanned skin would turn blue if my clothes didn't increase. So I bundle up in long pants, socks, boots, sweater, frost proof jacket, wrap my nose in a home made scarf and stuff myself behind the wheel. My scarf and coat tail get stuck in the door. Oh, bother. And the buffet luncheon to which I had special invitation does nothing to ease the tight fit.
Wear less? Run the engine for fifteen minutes to warm the car interior and dress lightly? I did that once and was tied up in a traffic jam (I don't think cars stopped because of my costume) – I nearly got frost bite walking to safety. No. I will continue to dress for the weather, pull in my waistline and drive my appointed rounds. Do not suggest I take a bus. Although truly that would be the most sensible alternative in view of present world affairs.
Naomi Sherer