My First Indiana Winter

When I moved to Indiana the last weekend of October, I was greeted by beautiful autumn leaves and temperatures that felt like fall. That didn’t last long.

I remember being told by my colleagues that I made it just in time for my first winter as a Hoosier. I didn't want to take any chances. Being a southern lady who was very accustomed to heat, I set my sights on purchasing jackets to brace for the cold. I did not know what to expect. I knew it would be different than the winters I had experienced in the Carolinas, but there are some things you just don't know until you experience it.

My reference point for a northern winter was a nor'easter in Boston, Massachusetts a few years ago. I was working as a communications manager for three hospitals in surrounding communities. I remember seeing snow piled up taller than me with heels on. That means those piles were more than six feet tall! As long as my first Indiana winter didn't get that cold, I was going to be OK.

Snow was frequently in the forecast throughout the winter. In my experience, anytime the meteorologist called for snow, you could expect a mad dash to the grocery store for bread, milk, and bottled water. Here in Indiana, folks don't panic about a couple of inches of snow. Schools don't shut down. The main roads get salted, then plowed, and people keep it pushing.

Though I don’t love the cold that comes with it, I do believe snow is so beautiful to watch. There's just something a little magical about seeing the snowflakes dance across the sky.

Flurries came and went throughout the winter, and we had one snow “storm” in Indianapolis that accumulated about 5 inches according to my tape measure. I made a little porch snow-gnome named Alfred and made a lot of hot tea!

I keep hearing that we had a “mild winter” this season. I'm OK with that! This winter was cold enough, snowy enough, and long enough for me to appreciate being in the Midwest. Thankfully, I am very fortunate to have had stable shelter and consistent heat during the bitter cold. I don't take that for granted. There was a sizable, tented community of people about three miles away from my home. The group was disbanded in early December so you wouldn’t know they were ever there, but I think about them every time I pass by the vacant lot. Just because I don’t see members of our homeless population anymore, I’m not naïve to the fact that there are people dealing with homelessness in my area. Connecting with local organizations, like the Salvation Army and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, has allowed me to contribute to the collective growth of my community.

With spring having made a grand entrance with 80+ degrees, I'm looking forward to packing up my hats, gloves, and boots! Some of my gently worn clothing and shoes will be donated. I’m a thrifter and advocate of the three R’s – reduce, reuse, and recycle. Spring cleaning as a new meaning for me this year. My first Indiana winter is done! Bring on spring! I’m ready!