When I moved to the Rochester area in 2001 I was not equipped for the winter weather. Before I arrived here I only lived in California, Virginia, and Arkansas. I was in for a huge, eye-opening shock. I grew up almost never having to wear a real winter coat. And I never even owned a hat. This is not an exaggeration, friends.
I was SOFT.
That first winter here was rough. I had a tiny baby, few friends, and a serious lack of winter gear. But as that baby grew into a toddler and another kiddo came along, I knew I had to snap out of my I-hate-the-snow funk. I slowly came to embrace cozy snow days where we lounged in jammies all day. I learned how to properly dress a toddler for playing in the cold. I let the kids guide our indoor games when we just couldn’t get outside because of the weather.
I only wish I had some of the great tips and activities that this issue off ers to both kids and parents as the hardest part of the winter season sets in. In these pages you’ll learn about ways to embrace the chilly days at home. There are also some wonderful suggestions for places to go when the temperature outside is just too much to bear.
I have several hats now, but I avoid wearing one unless I truly can’t avoid it. And ask anyone at the (585) offi ce—I avoid wearing a coat at all costs. But my kids (now eighteen and twenty-one) are true 585ers and dutifully wear their coats and hats and love a good snow day!
Christine Green, Managing Editor