©Linda G Hill
It’s nearly the end of January, and the Northlands here hold memories of deep snow and crippling cold temps. Instead, we have 40 degrees Fahrenheit and full-on sun.
Most of the snow has melted or transformed into a slickery-wet ice that brings our asses in close contact with hard pavement; we stand up in an embarrassment of moisture, but we all understand.
We are Minnesotans and laughter is our best (and worst) medicine.
The snowy walk becomes a sneaky, shadowy icy walk, but we’ve got to get out when we can. Best to just strap on the ice-spikes and get on with it: we have another three months to go for the blessing of a good base coat and fluffy, cross-country ski-able afternoons!
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2025)
Prompts from the wickedly clever minds of Denise, and Linda G Hill:
*Just Jot January Day 29 and One-Liner Wednesday – Prompt: SNOWY WALK by Linda G Hill. Be sure to visit their blog to read or just say hi! See what other folks have done with the prompt, or add your own! https://lindaghill.com/2025/01/29/one-liner-wednesday-jusjojan25-the-29th-snowy-walk/
*The challenge? Write a story in exactly 6 sentences based on Denise’s one word prompt: CLOSE. Visit, comment, and write & post your own on SIX SENTENCE STORIES. The Café is open. Come as you are!
Valley of the Trolls 
We have the same problems! Lots of snow and a bit of ice, then some warm weather which turned the snow into ice, and then it got cold again. Only here in St. Louis, we don’t do slippery well. We went eleven days with no mail service!
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Uffda! 😲
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We’re midway between winter and spring today, so hope shines. And remember to walk like a penguin!
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🐧🐧🐧 That’ me! 🐧🐧🐧
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not my favorite time of year, though fortunate in missing the snow (here in southern New England)… the cold has held reign… (that said, there’s a pleasing challenge to walking on a water-ice surface: total life lesson! stay flexible and pay attention to the most fundamental aspect of life, the earth beneath our feets
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And under that, it’s turtles all the way down…🐢🐢🐢
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We had snow in the swamps last week and you have above normal temps, maybe we can arrange a trade.
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Happy to share. Maybe we send some relief to CA, ya?
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If you enjoy it, have fun! But I would find it too bloody cold. Brr!🥶
Meanwhile, it’s scorching today – yay, it’s summer here!☺️
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It feels less cold with a blanket of snow, but an Australian friend’s pics of Jacarandas are always welcome this time of year! 😉
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I saw that the temps may hit 50F today in Minnesota. Might even be warmer than Arizona mornings.
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Things are a little jumbled up here, but I’ll enjoy the respite while waiting for some decent snowpack!🐧
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Brrrrrrr… Am glad we don’t have snow and ice here.
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Brrrrrrr… Am glad we don’t have snow here.
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A little snow helps soften the cold. 😉
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Enjoy the snow while it lasts.
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I shall, while hoping for more! 😉
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🙏🏼🩵💙
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I’m shivering just reading this. Loved the 3rd sentence, Liz! 😆
“Ice-spikes”? How is it I’ve never heard of these!
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😆 (Often known as YakTrax, Crampons, or Grippers)
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“we stand up in an embarrassment of moisture” …. perhaps the best line I’ve read all day! 👏🏼
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😆😆😆 I’m honored, Nancy!
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Deserving, Liz! Great little cluster of words! 😎
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Nice description of the hazards of walking in winter in the north: “sneaky, shadowy icy walk”.
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Thanks, Frank!
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And we Alaskans are right there with you
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[[HUGS!!!]]
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