Winter Doldrums

I'm back in Chicago now. Luckily I got into town before 12 inches of snow have fallen in 4 days. Temperatures have been as low as 0, with wind chills bottoming out at -35. Coming from temperate California, this is quite a shift in atmosphere. Air inside is dry, outside is only braved for very good reasons. I braved the slushy roads today to get the last of my gifts for family. Its hectic, but for some reason I can't plan ahead to avoid the rush on stores. Pictured here is the snow I had to sweep off my rental car to get out and about. Ah, now I remember why I've stayed on the Pacific coast for 5 years!