The Merchant Marine Express

Frankly, I love the cold! I’d rather be where it’s cooler than that of a hot climate region.

And many of you might find me crazy for thinking this, but keep in mind, I’ve joined a career that seems too bizarre the lifestyle that most people would not imagine partaking. Extremes in climate as well as the thought of isolationism at sea may make even the bravest of men, whimper with anxiety. I’ve been through a fair share of excitement in my days, weather-wise, and the reward of winter is a welcomed sight, for me.

You see,while growing up in California, an occasional rain or even a thunderstorm was most exciting as it was a rare event; it broke the monotony of the usual pleasant and enjoyable weather for the remainder of the year. Only in the middle of Winter in northern California, would the temperatures plunge to the mid 30’s, and for a short time, at that! More, I say!
Well, fast forward a few years since moving to Michigan, and cold, is what I’ve learned, native in Michigan apparently call the “other season” besides the short lived Summer. Actually, the joke is: “..we have two seasons in Michigan…Winter and construction”. (But that’s another blog!)
It’s not the snow that many out here are disgusted by or resent- it’s the darn cold. Day in and day out- mostly from December through April, the citizens out in Michigan endure the frigid temperatures, yet, somehow, life continues on. Hunters hunt; children play hockey or stay inside with their Playstation video games; mothers bundle up their youngsters for the short trips to the mall, and some businesses alter their projects to accommodate their employees wishes and minimize outdoor exposure by not allowing some jobs to be completed while the mercury dips below the freezing mark. But a lot of the talk is “how cold it is…”. People can’t wait for Winter to end and for the seasons to skip to Summer, and quickly!
In the days nearing my return to sea, I’ve chosen some activities to keep my mind focused and active. I’ve read some very fascinating books in the past few weeks, including adventure stories with seafaring heroes or biographies of famous individuals and their contributions to society that apparently, have been responsible for how we conduct our lives, in modern day times. Being slightly proficient in the art of general repair, I’ve managed to reassemble a desk lamp by rewiring its internals only before shorting out three circuits within the house- only to find out that the electrical cord was improperly spliced. No harm done, really! For exercise, two hour long walks with the dog has enabled me to see the town, with a different prospective; Not looking out from inside the warm confines of a passing car, but bundled warmly in a down coat and wool scarfs and gloves as dog Lucy and I ventured up and down back streets and past closed shops and small businesses. Taking quick peeks inside various stores, as Lucy and I scurried past,I could now take quick inventory for future visits. An occasional wave from a store owner brings a smile as both the owner and myself, remember the last time, we passed by.
Recently, I’ve also taken a short trip to a hobby store with neighbor friends, and enjoyed the collection of scale automobiles and planes. With a multitude of various die cast sports cars, this would have to suffice as I could only dream of being in the same room with the real thing! Models of Ferraris, Porsches, and even the occasional BMW were proudly exhibited with only the slight hint of dust, as you could tell the store staff was busy making all presentable, for the visiting enthusiast! This was a candy store, in my eyes..but one I would only walk away from; no candy bag this time!
As I write, there is three to four inches of snow on the ground. We’ve endured a recent cold snap, bringing temperatures down to the single digits. But the outlook for temps to rise above freezing makes most, out here, somewhat relieved and maybe a smile breaks in the faces of Michiganders as the weatherman is finally their hero!
Winter is still here, folks! But find something to keep yourself busy and warm, why don’t you.?
Have a good day!

Tags: Michigan – Home Port