With the New Year comes my annual ritual of complaining about the cold. I know, I can already hear my friends from the Dakotas saying, “You don’t even know what cold is,” and they’re not wrong. I’m a Southern California native, where “cold” means rummaging through piles of shorts to find a hoodie. And despite more than 30 years in Arizona, I’ve never truly acclimated. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of ways to get out, get moving and take your mind off the chill. Petrified Forest National Park is always a wonderful winter excursion, and the park even offers an audio tour. You can stay warm and cozy in your car while learning about the remarkable sights along the drive. If, like me, you’re not eager to spend much time outdoors until your lawn shows signs of life again, there’s plenty of comfort waiting inside local eateries and lounges to tempt you out of hibernation. Craving a little drama? Northland Pioneer College is currently casting for the Jane Austen classic
Emma
. Looking to enrich your understanding of history? Dr. Dirk van Leenen will be sharing his personal experiences during World War II at the Holbrook Library this month. My hope is that we all find something to keep our minds and bodies engaged, even when the allure of a cozy couch, a hot drink and a warm blanket is hard to resist. After all, the days are already getting longer, and spring is just 79 days away– not that I’m counting.
