Living Outside The Lines: Perilous Texas Winters

Small minorities of Texans, myself included, enjoy the full breadth of normal seasons and wish Texas were a bit more accommodating in its weather patterns, or lack thereof.

By, Becky J Miller

Many of the fifty states enjoy climates conducive to the appreciation of all four glorious seasons; winter, spring, summer and fall. Unfortunately, for its 29.6 million residents, Texas is not one of those states. All Texans, natural born and assimilated know the two seasons of our state as “Hot” and “Hotter,” and most of the tank top wearing, flip flop loving inhabitants are good with that fact. 

Small minorities of Texans, myself included, enjoy the full breadth of normal seasons and wish Texas were a bit more accommodating in its weather patterns, or lack thereof. Fashion choices during Texas winters are particularly problematic. Shorts and sandals are fun, but so are sweaters and boots. However, finding appropriately chilly days in which to wear one’s winter apparel requires great finesse. Choosing unwisely could lead to great discomfort in the form of becoming sweaty walking across the parking lot during lunch, or after work. Eeeww.

The lack of a true Texas winter causes even greater issues than those of fashion; winter driving. The 2015 U.S. Census estimated the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is home to 7,102,796 people. Imagine even ten-percent of those persons on the roads during the two days a year when Texas gets freezing temperatures and precipitation. Poor driving conditions, crowded roadways and drivers unaccustomed to icy roads create the potential for disaster. 

Most of my family lives in Dallas, so I have found myself in the midst of these conditions on more than one occasion, most recently just last weekend. Driving down I-35, right around Red Oak, suddenly we encounter snow flurries, slight accumulation and icy patches on the road. Losing control of a 3500-pound vehicle, even for a second, is a fear-inducing event. Add other vehicles to the mix, and one can see why there were some tears, puckered cheeks, and quickly uttered prayers during the trip. 

Smart drivers plus hazardous road conditions equal, “park the car and don’t move it,” especially after dark. This plan works great until tummies start to rumble and the cupboards are bare. What to do now? Our daughter is new to the city and excited to show her parents around, so there is no other choice but to venture out on foot. It matters not that the real feel temperature is 9 degrees, the sidewalks are icy, and the restaurant she wants to try is half a mile away. Off we go on a Texas winter adventure.

Back to fashion, of course the one weekend that temperatures dictate the appropriateness of wearing boots and sweaters, I wore neither. Believe me, Converse really are not conducive to walking in snow and ice, plus my toes were really cold! #poorplanning #butitwasfun  Then my crazy, younger and not nearly as wise sister, on a day when temperatures are in the 20’s, shows up to family Christmas wearing a cute filmy (read thin!) blouse with NO JACKET. #mommaoughtaspankher

Depending on your perspective, the perilous Texas winter lasts only two days, so many will rejoice as the temperatures warm back up to the 70’s while some of us will lament the fact that the fabulous new sweater we got for Christmas still hangs in the closet wearing the price tags. Me? I’m secretly praying for a few more cold days, of course those days ought not occur when they could disrupt my half marathon training, impend travel plans, or cause any other inconvenience. #Idon’twantmuch

Until Next Time,

Becky ~ Warrior Princess

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.