It's coming!

January and February were the coldest months in Budapest last year.  It got down to -22 C (-8 F).  The last place I lived that was that cold was Alaska.  As a child.  So after 16 years living out of Alaska, including the last three years living on the equator... it was a bit of a shock.  This year I'm a little more prepared.  I own wool socks, long underwear and the warmest coat North Face sells for women.  So in the next week or two when the Danube looks like this...

Will took this picture last February near our house.

... I'm prepared!

Prepared to stay in my warm cozy house with "Fireplace" playing on the TV.

Jack Frost Nipping at my Nose!

Today the snow came.  The wind is biting.  And my little black dress (with long sleeves, tights, leggings, and boots) under a winter coat is NOT enough.  The price of looking cute for a party.  Walking home from the tram tonight, Will and I decided that the night of my birthday will not involve a late night out like it should, simply because it is too blasted cold!  Looks like cozy nights are going to be more frequent.  Winter is here!  The kids enjoyed sledding at recess.  I have pulled out my women's arctic parka, which is more like a sleeping bag than a coat.  (As Will pointed out - not flattering.  But who cares, it's warm!)  Wool ski socks are back in my sock drawer.  December, January, February... Fingers crossed March is warmer.

It's not all bad though... Christmas markets are open.  Lights are up on streets and buildings.  Mulled wine warms your hands while walking about.  I really do love Christmas in Budapest.  (...when I'm wearing my sleeping bag coat.)  And icebergs aren't floating down the Danube... yet.

The Good Thing About Cold Weather

The windows stay shut.
The city dirt and dust stay outside.
My floors stay cleaner.
Less mopping to do.

Wool socks and sweaters

I have a friend who recently moved from Kenya to a nearby European city.  She says she's freezing.  And it makes me think...  I am so glad I will be prepared this winter as it gets colder.  I just reorganized my closet for Fall/Winter (yes, I'm one of those girls) and realized that I bought a LOT of sweaters last year.  My closet is mostly sweaters.  I think I'm set this year!  My sleeping bag of a coat isn't out yet, but it is ready when I need it.  Looking forward to a prepared winter.  With wool socks.  And Northface wrapped around my body.

I looked in my closet yesterday and realized...

When I moved to Budapest

I owned 3 sweaters

And a lot of ratty summer clothes

Washed by hand

And dried in the African sun too many times.

When I looked in my closet this week

I saw 11 sweaters

And a few ratty summer clothes

Washed by hand

And dried in the African sun too many times.

Last year at this time

I was wearing a sun dress and sandals to work.

Now it's -7 degrees F

And I'm wearing long underwear,

Trousers (leggings don't cut it!),

2 pairs of wool socks,

2 shirts,

1 sweater,

1 scarf,

1 hat,

1 amazingly warm coat,

And ugly old winter boots from years ago

To work each day.

I looked in my closet yesterday and realized...

It used to take me 2 minutes to get dressed in the morning.

Now it's a full 15 minutes with all those layers.

I'm ready for spring.

And it looks very far away...!