Moose Jaw -
I know this winter has been a cold, cold, bitter winter and many of us are just itching to feel the warmth of the sun tingle through our bodies. However, -5 C, to me, does not qualify as one of those days.
A couple of weekends ago, winter gave Moose Jaw a break. let the temperature rise above -10 C and the sun had its day to shine. The foot traffic moving up and down Main Street was a clear indication people were enjoying the warmer weather.
However, there is enjoying a nice warm winter day, a day where one could classify the weather as sweater weather and then there is taking that nice day and deceiving yourself into thinking it is summer.
As I drove over the Fourth Avenue Bridge on a recent afternoon, I found myself in a state of shock.
As I reached the end of the bridge, leading onto South Hill, I noticed a young man walking in a bright green T-shirt and jeans. No coat, no sweater, just a T-shirt. In my head I was thinking this kid is crazy. He had to be freezing, I mean I know it was nice but it was definitely not that nice.
Yet to my surprise he didn't look cold. In fact, he looked comfortable in his choice of attire, however inappropriate it may have seemed to me.
Later that same afternoon, as I was leaving Safeway, I again found myself in shock. A younger girl, maybe 16 or 17, was walking down High Street in a light sweater and shorts.
Now, I don't know if I am the only one who was thinking this but what the heck?
I would just like to point out it is still winter. We haven't even reached spring and people are pulling out the shorts?
To top it all off, there was a couple walking up Main Street in winter coats, jeans and - here's the kicker - flip flops. I personally think if it is cold enough to throw on the parka you should probably follow up with a pair of shoes.
OK, so maybe I am being a tad bit judgmental, however, all I am saying is when the temperature is anywhere in the negative digits a T-shirt is not the best choice of clothing, unless your plan is to plant your butt on the couch to watch some TV or you are looking to catch a cold, the flu or worse.
Now I will admit, when it comes to being cold I am the worst. Just the sight of someone wearing anything less than a jacket is enough to send shivers down my spine.
Although it was beautiful on that particular Saturday, I had on a sweater, winter coat and gloves and to see those brave souls, no matter how crazy I may have thought they were, gave me a chill for the rest of the day.
So I ask those of you out there who are either confused about the seasons or just feel -5 C is an appropriate temperature to pull out the shorts, please, please put the pants and jackets back on. if not for your own health, then for the rest of us out there. I don't think I can handle one more uncontrollable element adding to the perma chill I acquired this winter.
Lyndsay McCready can be reached at 691-1256.
