As I consider the number times I have laundered these two pair of long underwear in the past month, I wonder if I should buy a couple additional pair. With the purchase I might smell fresher.

This cold spell lingers and lingers.

A frigid weather visitor from the Canadian Arctic (or maybe Siberia) squats over us discharging really, really cold air. In the last few days the western end of the mighty Lake Superior has frozen and looks winter white to the horizon. However, nothing like l last year; the ice making started late.

The fishermen and women, who seek their supper through the ice, love the freeze. They drag their portable popup dark houses way out on the ice for an afternoon of jigging and spearing.

A few cars have broken through (out in the hinterlands). Here later in the season we’ll wait to discover if any fishing on Lake Superior have broken off their own ice flow and started an unwanted trip to Michigan unable to get back over the newly opened lead in the ice. A cell phone call will bring the Rescue Unit with lots of new, modern, hi-tech, fancy and expensive rescue equipment. You will get rescued (and a bill!)

(Write this down if you are traveling North!) The State department concerned with such things tells us:

For new, clear ice only

2” or less - STAY OFF.
4” - Ice fishing or other activities on foot.
5” - Snowmobile or ATV.
8” - 12” - Car or small pickup.
12” - 15” - Medium truck

Note: these guidelines are for new, clear solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.

White ice or “snow ice” is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Double the above thickness guidelines when traveling on white ice.

But, I’m doing laundry not fishing. In the winter, you really need this whether cotton, wool or silk (for you ladies).

Back in the day, wearing long underwear, except for major outdoor winter excursions, was for sissies and old men. Now, suddenly, I am one! … (An old man, that is!)