I think you will enjoy this. To understand the context, I went outside this morning, about 8:30 am, to start my truck and thought to myself, “Wow, its pretty nice out (it has been very cold lately).” I then started my truck and went back inside the house to hear the radio weatherman announce that it was 8 degrees below zero! Something is wrong when you can think that -8 is comfortable.

Cold is Relative……….and a good part of this is true

60 above zero:Floridians turn on the heat. People in Wisconsin plant gardens.

50 above zero:Gulf Coast people shiver uncontrollably. People in Milwaukee sunbathe.

40 above zero:English cars won’t start. People in Wisconsin drive with the windows down.

32 above zero:Distilled water freezes.The water in Green Bay gets thicker.

20 above zero:Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats. People in Wisconsin throw on a flannel shirt.

15 above zero:New York landlords finally turn up the heat. People in Wisconsin have the last cookout before it gets cold.

Zero:People in Miami all die. Wisconsinites close the windows.

10 below zero:Californians fly away to Mexico. People in Wisconsin get out their winter coats.

25 below zero:Hollywood disintegrates. The Girl Scouts in Wisconsin are selling cookies……….door to door.

40 below zero:Washington DC runs out of hot air. People in Wisconsin let the dogs sleep indoors.

100 below zero:Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Wisconsinites get upset because they can’t start the Mini-Van.

460 (-459.67 F below zero):ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero, zero on the Kelvin scale.) People in Wisconsin start saying…”Cold ’nuff fer ya?”

Today is Harry Chamberlin’s 75th birthday.

Harry is my father-in-law. He is also one of the men who has greatly influenced my life. Not only did he let me date his daughter he let me marry her and for that I am most grateful. He also insisted that I attend church with his family. Since I was in love with his daughter I began to attend church and along the way I was introduced to Jesus Christ! My life has never been the same. He has loved both of his son-in-laws as sons and his daughter-in-law as his daughter. Dad, thank you for loving me, for insisting that I attend church with you, for trusting me with your daughter, for always being available to our family. I respect you, I love you and I thank God you and your influence in my life.

Love, Paul

Tomorrow is Mark Chamberlin’s 51st birthday.

I met Mark when he was a Junior in High School and have watched him grow through many stages of life. Mark, you have also influenced my life. You have been a friend, brother, confidant, and encourager for Cheryl and me. I also love, respect and thank God for you.

Love,Paul

Today is my wife’s birthday! She is my best friend, confidant, wife of over 32 years, mother of 3 children and grandmother of two granddaughters. She is my gift from God. Happy Birthday baby…I love you!Paul

As I am experiencing my first winter in Wisconsin in 35 years I found this poem to be quite appropiate…enjoy.

When it’s winter in Wisconsin

And the gentle breezes blow,

About seventy miles and hour

And it’s fifty-two below,

You can tell you’re in Wisconsin

‘Cause the snow’s up to your butt.

You take a breath of winter air

And your nostrils both freeze shut.

The weather here is wonderful,

So I guess I’ll hang around,

I could never leave Wisconsin

My feet are frozen to the ground!

Have a great weekend!