So I am going home this North American winter to visit my parents and friends back in the USA. I am so excited!!!
But the only problem is that I picture my Indiana home in a perpetual summer state. I have not experienced real winter since 2007. So I have had a few years to push out memories of snow drifts and icy sidewalks from my mind. This means I need to force out of my mind all the things I usually enjoy when I go home (in the summer). So to do this I thought I might list a few things you can't do when you go home to Indiana in December. You know... just to keep it real, and not be shocked when the plane touches down and freezing temperatures greet me home again
Things you can't do during an Indiana winter:
1. You can't pick the yummiest tomato from your Moms garden and eat it with out washing it. The best tomatoes are the ones that never make it inside the house.
2. You can't wash the dog with a hose in the front yard. Well.. you could try.. but it would not be pleasant. Nor should you wash your Dad's car..
3. You can't admire the summer foliage.
4. There is no Indiana State Fair to be enjoyed during the winter.
5. You can't successfully fish for bass. But you could try.. you might get lucky.. maybe..
6. Frosty Boy isn't open. (this is a drive through ice cream and lunch eatery, only open in the summer)
7. No big thunderstorms will happen (most likely), so Mom and I can't get all excited about them as we normally do.
8. Hot dog eating contests will not be a news item during my visit.
9. There will be no fireflies out to be caught.
10. You would not want to go for a ride in your friend's convertible.. although I might give this a try if it is offered, and I can bundle up accordingly.
11. NO CAMPING OUT. This is more for Graham's information... not really a list item.
12. I won't get a chance to mow the lawn.. or rather how I prefer to say "cut the grass".
All this aside I do get to partake in a few winter activities that I have not been able to do in a few years.
Things you can do during an Indiana winter:
1. Hang Christmas lights with my Dad
2. Cook winter meals with my Mom, hear we come pot roast!
3. Watch Graham snow board down my parents front yard, that is if there is snow.
4. Listen to Christmas carols and not feel out of place... its kind of weird listening to "chestnuts roasting over an open fire" while sitting in front of your air conditioner running on full speed because its 110 outside and inside..
5. Wear a real winter coat.. with gloves.
6. See Christmas lights all over town, something Australians have yet to master.
7. Cuddle up with my family inside as the snow is falling outside.
8. Snow balls
9. Hockey games, Indianapolis Ice.
10. The smell of real Christmas trees.
Now that I have given myself a reality check.. I can hardly wait to board that plane!!!
