More with Les Archive

North Florida in January can be cold, as recent weeks have demonstrated. However, by the standards of latitudes farther north in the United States (and Canada), the month can be considered quite balmy.

As such, those who reside in the seasonally frozen geographic regions are inclined to visit this state when circumstances allow.

The effects of January’s cold weather in Santa Rosa County have many characteristics.

In addition to the realistic possibility of the occasional subfreezing thermometer readings and frosts, there is the quiet.

Anyone who has been responsible for children knows the reality of juvenile appetites.

Their hunger is constant, sometimes picky and there is rarely any obvious uniformity in preferences between siblings or playmates.

A reputation for strength, durability and the ability to endure the harshest of condition is admirable and enviable.

Very few humans (and usually not the celluloid heroes of the silver screen) have the grit and determination to earn this standing or status in the course of their existence. A few notable personages in nautical history have risen to display the aforementioned character traits.

A walk around the neighborhood or forest will confirm winter is here. Of course there are the recent thermometer readings and the shorter days.

Other signs are the thicker coats on animals which by choice or situation must remain exposed to the elements. Some, like the native reptiles and amphibians, are absent from sight having retreated to a safe location to “sleep” the winter away.

Rudolph is polishing his nose and checking the intensity just in in case fog rolls in. Santa Rosa County’s children are ticking off the minutes and are, basic inclinations notwithstanding, on their very best behavior.

Last minute Christmas bargains are being hurled at prospective buyers through every conceivable mass media channel.

It is correct to say the shorter days are the impetus for the leaf loss on most hardwood trees, but the subfreezing temperature and gusty winds in the weeks to come will finish off any foliage stragglers.

Sweet gums, maples, dogwoods, and many others are starkly exposed to the elements.