ChickSpeak

Although temperatures here on earth are supposed to be increasing due to global warming, some of us may be finding that hard to believe after the winter we have already experienced over the last month or so. “This winter will see more days of shivery conditions: a winter during which temperatures will average below normal for about three-quarters of the nation” says the Farmer’s Almanac. So far this prediction for this year has been spot on.I have grown up in the Appalachian Mountains, and have experienced only a few bitter winters. As I recall the last few years, I remember very little snow and ice and only a hand full of days that were almost unbearable due to the frigid conditions.

This past December, however, I was able to witness a snow-fall like I had not seen in over a decade. The white precipitation rained down on the little town that I live in for four days straight without any hesitation at all. I watched the whole thing from start to finish, observing the grass being covered to the seeing the small shrubs near my apartment disappear all together. What was the end result; over two feet of lush, fluffy, wet snow.

Since the winter weather is predicted to be much colder than previous years, it is important to know what to do if a winter storm hits close to home. You know to buy food, to have loads of blankets on hand, to have candles and a battery operated radio, and to leave the faucets slightly dripping so the pipes do not freeze. However, entertainment nearly has equal importance to basic utilities.

So chicks, whether you live in an area where copious amounts of snow fall are inevitable, or if you live in an area where it just might a little cooler than usual. You are bound to see a day where it is just too cold to be out and about. Here are a few ideas to keep you entertained while being stuck indoors, but remember that these are most fun with someone else. So be sure you get stuck with someone who you enjoy being around.

Movie Marathon

If you do not own a movie series, you should seriously consider investing in one such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, or the Harry Potter film series. Watch them from beginning to end. The longer the series the better, because doing this will take up most of your day.

Make Hot Chocolate

This is something you can experiment with if you have the right ingredients. You can make the regular out of the pouch Swiss Miss, or you can be daring and try this delicious white hot chocolate courtesy of Sandra Lee from food network’s Semi-Homemade Cooking.

Let the Games Begin

If you do not own a pack of playing cards, it is wise to purchase some. There are infinite card games, and it is simple to make one up. Even if you get tired of playing games, you can always attempt the dreaded card castle. Board and video games are a great way to scare off boredom as well. However, you may find yourself in this situation, and you do not have any games. This was the case when an ice storm left my fiancé and I stranded indoors with no power on Christmas morning. We huddled under the blankets and played hang-man for hours. Recall the good ole days when you were in elementary school and you played games like hide-and-seek and tic-tac-toe. Try to renovate them and give them a new twist.

If the Farmer’s Almanac is correct, we all have a cold winter ahead of us whether we experience significant snow-fall or not. Like me, you may get the joy of really being snowed-in. If this is the case, enjoy the white stuff. Get out and roll around in it, go sledding, make snow creatures, take pictures, but wear warm, water-proof clothing. Above all things, be safe whatever condition you may be in and remember to bundle up!

Fatima Meadows attends Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. There she has experienced many cold and wet days during the winter. She was thankful, that although she did not get to see her family on Christmas day this past year, she got to experience a truly “White Christmas” with her favorite man.