In Heaven There is No Beer

That's Why We Drink It Here

An Iowa autumn would not be complete without a University of Iowa tailgate. Just set those alarms early and pour yourself a drink.

Things always get a little crazy in Iowa City on football Saturday. The streets are flooded with black and gold brethren,  obscenities are never too far away, and at some point you will walk out of a darkened bar only to realize that it is 2:00 P.M.

The Hawkeyes didn't come out with the W this time around but as anyone can tell you, Saturday mornings on Melrose are about a lot more than the game. Their is something to be said about organized sporting events and the way they can bring so many happy campers together all cheering for one common interest. And putting beside the touchdowns and fumble recoveries, on such a nice autumn morning surrounded by so many beautiful Hawkeye fans, I had all the reasons to cheer loudly.

Oh Snow!

The real surprise is that I was surprised.

It may have only been a warning shot, but winter rang its first bell. It brought out some different feelings for me towards the cold Iowa winters. The same Iowa winters that can make you forget that everything around you was once bathed in the summer sunlight.

 The days are shorter and the streets more dangerous to travel. Spending time outdoors is a clothing challenge even when you step out to get the paper. And not to mention that one-second surge of fear as snow lodges itself squarely in your shoe.

But wait...


Is to unreasonable to get excited for the snow? Is it safe to say that perhaps a cold dose of winter is what we may really need? Talk to me in February and I might feel a little differently, but I was excited to wake up to a good lump of snow. I wasn't thrilled about clearing my windshield or driving to work down a soggy I-235, but all the snow kept reminding me of the many warmths of winter.

That's the only way to enjoy a solid winter, is to stay warm. This may not always be an easy task, but when you manage to find that warm outline of your body under the covers in the morning air, it's always  refreshing.

There are so many different ways to stay warm during the winter. Hot drinks only taste right when the weather is cold, 15 pound blankets go from smothering to soothing, and the dog can always sit on your lap acting as a slobbering blanket.

Some of the warmest times in the winter often involve friends and family. The holidays are around the corner and regardless the religion, the winter brings families closer. Maybe it's just the collection of body heat but being surrounded by family works just as well as a crackling fire. Unless you are camping, it doesn't matter how much family you are with, you will want to make a fire.

But truly the best way to stay warm in the winter is to forget you are cold, and family and friends are the best way to accomplish that. Whether sitting around eating breakfast, climbing a frozen corn silo, or knocking a few icicles back at the local tavern, it feels good to be warm in the winter.

Here's to staying warm in the impeding winter before us,

BDL