Crazy January Weather.

The weather and world climate has been a bit "funky" for the last few years with everything from severe storms, either droughts or too much rain in certain areas, to temperatures that in this case just leave you going like "...ok then!".

I live in an area NW of Chicago where typically at this time of year, I'd be shoveling snow off my driveway and wearing several layers of clothing sometimes just to go out and get the mail.

This 2011-2012 winter season has been rather odd. We've had just one day of snow back in mid-December with just a little bit of snow that melted away in 24 hours. That was it and other than a few really cold days (in the 20s), we haven't really had that bone-chilling cold we've come to expect from a typical Chicago winter.

Yesterday was January 10th and the temperature in Chicagoland reached the mid 50s. With bright sunshine and spring-like temperatures, I took a break from my work day, grabbed my bike and went out for a ride in the sticks. To be able to enjoy nature & ride my bike out in the open countryside wearing nothing but a long-sleeved t-shirt and shorts -in January- was downright wonderful.
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We're supposed to go 'back to reality' tomorrow as it's supposed to get cold again and snow overnight. So while this crazy weather keeps us on our toes with its unpredictability, taking the time to live in the moment, and enjoy nature and life's beauty regardless of what's going on elsewhere, is simply, ...priceless.