Heck Is Winter?!!

   The average high/low for this time of year in Maine is 29/4F.  We've had a few minor snow flurries which were left to melt as 50+ degree weather followed a day or two later.  Apparently, Colorado is keeping all the winter weather to itself, sharing sparingly with near neighboring states, but leaving the East Coast high and dry.

   Other than just plain missing the white stuff that is normally coating the landscape, there is concern for later effects of a snowless winter.  Health officials fear an outbreak of diseases related to warmer weather:  Influenza, mold allergies, and larger than normal prduction of disease-bearing insect life.  The Portland Water District is concerned that a drought will affect not only the humans they provide clean water to, but also threaten lake ecology.  Rural homes may face the drying up of wells.  Furthermore, Maine businesses to a large degree count on vacationers, who have NOT hit the ski slopes in droves, and WILL NOT find a nice deep berth for their boats if they vacation in cove areas of the lakes.

   All we natives can do is enjoy the blessing of moderate weather, and pray that February will be a little different.  I worry that winter is just late, and we'll be sledding in June.  And as if I didn't have enough to worry about, I visited on of my fave places, Gullible Info.  Take a gander at these little jewels of trivia, why don't you?

• It is illegal to orally ingest duck dander in nine American states due to its intense hallucinogenic properties.  (I fear for the ducks once teenagers discover this)
• Kindergarten was first created in 14th century Germany as a reform school for rebellious toddlers.  (It boggles the mind what may have constituted "rebellious behavior")
• Plans to build a blizzard safety hut for climbers near the peak of Alaska's Mt. McKinley had to be abandoned because it could not be made wheelchair-accessable, as required by law.  (Too bad they don't make "common sense" a requirement for legislators)
• Until 1902 it was illegal to own a pirate flag in the U.S.  (Funny there isn't one flying over the IRS building)
• The British Shorthair is the only type of cat that can be taught how to play the harmonica. (Envision a series of cat breeds that have had a wood/metal block forced between it's jaws, while someone squeezes the crap out of them to produce the desired amount of air expelled to make a noise.  Then envision these many cats clawing the bejeepers out of the so-called researchers.  I like that part)
• Law students spend more time in ethics training than any other professional students.  (Apparently, they don't need a passing grade since none of them seem to know a dang thing about ethics)

It's a wonder any of us can take life seriously, isn't it?