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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Gonvick, MN: The Edge of Existence

Yesterday morning, Jerry, Scooter and I loaded back into the Escape for a full day of more driving. We headed 300 miles north from Jerry's parents' house in Northfield to my parents house in Gonvick. As we headed north, the snow got deeper and the temps got colder, but we made it, and today it is a "heat wave" of -3 degrees. Yeah. This morning when I took Scooter out at 5 am, the thermometer read -18 degrees.

I looked up the definition of -18 degrees in the dictionary, and you know how that temp was defined? "Fucking freezing!" Literally. The dictionary doesn't lie.

So, needless to say, I haven't run one inch since last Friday. My parents don't have a treadmill, the nearest gym in about an hour away, and to be honest my primary interest right now is curling up under a blanket by the fire with a book in my lap. And actually, it feels pretty nice to be relaxin like this. My mom brings Jerry and I hot chocoa, and it's pretty dang nice.

Tomorrow, we travel to the great metropolis of Grand Forks, ND because my mom recently earned her PhD, and tomorrow is her commencement and "hooding" ceremony. She worked pretty frickin hard on that PhD (the past 2 years have been solidly devoted to writing, writing, and writing her dissertation), so we're all proud of her accomplishment, and I know she's pleased that Jerry and I can be home with the rest of the family to attend.

Anyhoo...that's the news from "up nort." I'm gonna try to catch up with some blogs today (thankfully, they still have high speed internet at the edge of the world), but apologies if I don't get to you. Hope everyone is doing well!

Peace out.

25 comments:

Aka Alice said...

Congrats to your mom for becoming a doc...that's quite an accomplishment!

Dictionaries NEVER lie...you stay warm. The blanket and hot bevies sound like the perfect combo.

Marlene said...

Congrats to your Mom - wow, that's awesome!

Enjoy the R&R and stay warm!

X-Country2 said...

How people live like that this time of year, I'll never know. Stay warm and congrats to your mom!

Unknown said...

Did you hear that it is about in the 80s right now in Florida? That's a huge contrast from -18 to 80 degrees. Thats a focking differences of almost 100 degrees. Shhhhhesssh!

You might want to spike your Hot chocolate with Kahlua.

Congrats to your Mom for getting PhD!

runner26 said...

Unbelievable temps! You should try for at least one run--maybe the novelty (and excellent blog material) will get you through it??

Congrats to your mom!

Anonymous said...

just reading that made me cold....and congrats to your mom- that is awesome.

Crissy Rae said...

So it's just a weeee bit brisk up there, huh? Any sweater or booties for poor little Scooter?

Congrats to your mom, that is an awesome accomplishment.

Anonymous said...

I think curling up with a book in front of the fireplace while you are served hot chocolate is a dream. Enjoy it.

How awesome that your mom got her PhD!! Big Congratulations to her.

Marcy said...

OK I DO NOT blame you!! I'm whining about 20 degree temps so anything less than that is justified in not doing anything HAHA.

CONGRATS to Moms! How great that you guys get to all see her commencement!

Anonymous said...

Brrr! Enjoy taking a break from running.

Congrats to your mom!

Every Gym's Nightmare said...

tell your mom congrats! Thats so exciting!

Kelly Turner
www.everygymsnightmare.com

Anonymous said...

Now I know why you live in FL.

Mendy said...

Geesh.. stay warm Jess! Wow, that is very cold. I don't think I've ever been in cold like that before.

Congratulations to your Mom! That is awesome about her degree!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Doctor MOm - ensure you accord her the dutiful level of respect!

Word Verification: HYPER

L*I*S*A said...

Glad you arrived safely, and enjoy the festivities surrounding mom's accomplishments. Congrats to her!

Carolina John said...

Wow, that is really far north in minnesota. Have fun up there, it sounds really fucking cold!

Heather said...

The fireplace, blanket and book, along with personal hot chocolate service sounds like a good vacation. Enjoy!

MN Mom said...

You are missing great weather here-sorry. But it wouldn't be a trip to Minnesota without Brrrrr!

Wes said...

You went even FURTHER north? Dear gawd...

Unknown said...

I think the book option is a good choice. The definition sounds spot on.

Steve Stenzel said...

HA! LOVE MN!!! Glad to have you in the state! Now enjoy it!

Happy Holidays!!

p.s. Are you going to be back in the Cities before you head home on a Tues or Thurs night? There could still be the possibility of a "Dome Run!"

E said...

That is just so cold it's crazy!!! Stay warm!

Stuart said...

Books and chocoa yes...running no!

Get's my vote

Agate Lake Girl said...

Now you made me crave hot cocoa. Maybe I could crank the air conditioning up?!

MNFirefly said...

Congrads to your mom! That's an awesome accomplishment.