Winter is here
Winter has finally hit North Dakota, like a cup full of ice being launched in 40 mph winds and a never ending supply. According to the weather channel, KMOT, officially, Minot has received 9 inches of snow with more to come. It's crazy and sort of mind boggling how the winter is way different than the winters in Indianapolis. Snow in Minot is powder like, without the slush, and creates a winter wonderland appearance as the ice sticks to the trees and creates a pretzel covered in white chocolate appearance. The roads are covered in snow/ice and dark sand laid by the road crews and locals as I was told that salt is never laid. People drive fast here and getting stuck is not an issue due to ever other vehicle being a truck occupied with a farmer or hunter eager to help any stuck vehicle in its path. It's freezing in Minot, literally, the temperature in my car this morning is below the 10's and ski jackets, gloves, scarfs, and long underwear are already being used. The experience is definitely unexpected as the locals in Minot say this is the most snow that Minot has received in over 5 yrs, this early, due to weather changes.
It's beautiful this time of year here and after a few days, has grown on me. In the next month my friend Joy wants to go snowboarding and snowmobiling just north of Bismarck. It seems as if most people here can either ski or snowboard probably due to their the only activities outside that seem possible in this type of snow. Walking by itself takes about 10 times longer and yesterday the hospital was full of fractured hip patients, mostly the older population. Speaking of fractured hips and those orthopedically challenged, yesterday for the first time I went to a Chiropractor for my back. After constant pain since internationally traveling, Leah's husband's encouragement to get it fixed, and speaking with a couple of MD's this past week about the pain it seemed inevitable that something needed to be done. Luckily the Chiropractor who I saw was very knowledgeable and explained that my pelvis has shifted a few centimeters to the right and down slightly causing a slight scoliosis in my back, most likely caused by my 3rd hip bone and years of gymnastics. After an hour of feeling around and having me do various tasks to better assess the problem, he put me in a couple of positions that caused my back to pop. Before I could even ask what was going on there was this feeling I've not experienced in a long time, being pain free. I'm a believer and after a month of riding the stationary bike, swimming, and therapy should be able to start some light jogging again.
Well, off to watch Sunday football and crochet. Have a great day everyone. I made it back to Minot safely and can't wait to come home around Christmas.