why all the fuss?

The news is not good.

Random acts of violence around the world.
A 30-year old son shoots and kills his hedge fun dad for cutting his allowance.
A man tosses his child off a bridge.
The NYC police turn their collective  backs on the mayor.
And the frigid cold.

Local and national news does not make one feel good about the state of things, both at home and thousands of miles away.  We are no longer safe anywhere.

But the cold?

For the homeless and the poor it can be tragic.  And for those working outside it can be miserable. But for most of us, it shouldn't even be an inconvenience.  Dress warm, and enjoy.  

The sun on your face. 
The crisp, clean air.
The joy of being able to get out.
The possibility of striking up a conversation with a stranger.

I am in Chinatown, waiting for an uptown bus.  The woman next to me is standing, also waiting, but without gloves.  I ask her why she's not wearing gloves.  She forgot them.  And then, for about 35 city blocks, I learn a lot about her.  She's Russian. Her name is Irene.  She lives in Brooklyn, is married, and his going to her house near Hunter Mountain today. Irene's husband (who is not interested in a custom shirt, I ask) is picking her up later and will bring her gloves. Irene's daughter is in school in Florida. She's doing post-grad work to become a medical technician. She's beautiful. And an excellent tennis player too. She doesn't listen to her mom as often as she should (what child does?). It's obvious how much Irene adores her.

If you wear the right clothes and open your eyes, there's a lot to appreciate.  Even when it's very very cold.