Well, we finally hit the point where winter came near to feeling like winter. Some years it hits early, sometimes late, but it always seems to come some time. When I stepped out this morning to see the amazing variety of colors sweeping across the landscape and weaving through the interesting array of cloud formations, I was in awe. No matter how many times I do this, it always makes me smile. Then my attention was brought to the songbirds chirping to bring in the day, the geese making lines in the sky, the rustle of cornstalks as cattle foraged for breakfast in knee-deep shucks kissed by the recent snow.

I breathed thanksgiving for the nice morning with no wind to be able to truly enjoy my little corner of Platte County. And then I noticed it – really noticed it: the day was so calm with not even a breeze and deceptively warm at -4 degrees, so I didn’t wear my gloves. Wow, it doesn’t take long in those temperatures for your fingers to begin to get stiff with cold. It brought to mind all those people in our world who make our lives keep chugging along. Those people have to be out in this cold not only with the balmy -4, but when the wind is blowing and windchill factor brings temperatures so cold it feels like your teeth will shatter from being frozen so long – let alone your fingers and toes!

Okay, so you may think I’m exaggerating a bit - and I may be – but I have been in -70 weather helping my family put straw out for the cows and calves in near-blizzard conditions, and making sure they had feed. (I can just smell the freshly scooped silage and see in my memory the steam escaping on a cold day from the silage as the cattle rush to get their share.) After some of these experiences, you can see why -4 seemed pretty nice.

But really, the thing that inspired me to write today was not only the beauty of the morning, but I wanted to share my appreciation, truly, for people who go un-noticed but choose to be uncomfortable on our behalf, the citizens of Platte County. We realize first responders are on call 24-7, rain or shine, but so are the lineman and utility workers, everyday people who help out their neighbors to shovel driveways and sidewalks, Game Wardens and ranchers, farmers and plumbers and electricians, tow truck drivers and snow plow operators, grocery store workers and delivery drivers. Did you ever think about all those railroad workers or power plant workers, car maintenance technicians and school custodians? All these people, and more choose to brave the cold to keep our society moving and our friends, neighbors, and us to keep going about our lives without as many concerns during the winter.

So the next time you’re cozying up with your mug of hot chocolate, looking at the winter wonderland outside and content to be in your nice toasty home instead of in that howling wind, send up a prayer and some thanks for all those men and women who have to wait ‘til later to warm up. I know I will.