We’ve had some weather. Of course, there’s always weather, it’s just a little more interesting at this time of year, as opposed to June-September here in Central Texas, when it’s nasty hot and consistent. I looked up “talking about the weather” and, of the three or four articles I read, my favorite one came from an Australian publication. Instead of labeling “weather conversation” as boring and tedious, the author says it’s a nice way to start a conversation with a stranger, particularly when riding up and/or down an elevator. At worst, you might get a grunt or a nod, at best, you might find a new friend.

Early this past week, the temperature was 26 degrees. Yes, 26. We don’t really know how to do 26. We don’t have the clothing for 26. We can keep piling on layers, but that just makes it difficult to move around, bend our arms, and that sort of thing.

When I checked the weather elsewhere, I saw that in Brooklyn, Jeremy and Sarah were enjoying temps of 46. Yes, in Brooklyn, New York, the air was twenty degrees warmer than here in Waco, Texas.

Things are back to more normal here. It’s warmed up, and the forecast says highs next week in the 50’s and 60’s, which is much more comfortable. And normal.

My dad grew up in Wauseon, Ohio, way up in the northeast corner of the state, almost all the way to Michigan. There was snow on the ground all winter, and the ice pond next to his house froze solid. They had ice skates and played hockey there.

One summer, when we’d gone up to visit, I was trying to explain the weather differences to my cousins. “Well, for example,” they said. “What do you wear on Thanksgiving day?”

“Slacks and a sweater,” I said.

“That’s what we wear,” they exclaimed, imagining, I think, that the temperatures weren’t all that different.

“Outside?” I asked.

Their faces changed. “Well, no,” they said.

Well, of course not! There was snow on the ground!

The only wool garment I own is a big ol’ navy pea coat. I’ve had it for years, and it’s large enough to fit over the several layers of clothes that I’m likely to be wearing whenever the temperature drops. I’ve had it on twice in the past few days. I might not need it again at all this winter.

I checked the weather forecast for Wauseon. Friday and Saturday there might be some precipitation, and the temperatures in the 20’s. But, on Thanksgiving Day, the high could be 41. And 44 on Friday. They might go out and play a few games of tennis.

Our forecast for Thanksgiving Day is a high of 62. But it might rain.

I certainly understand how welcome an unexpected snowfall would be on a hot, harvest day. And, I’d like to be the kind of trustworthy envoy, or friend, or family member, who brings that sort of refreshment. Maybe while wearing my nice, wool coat.