Feeling as frozen as mom's birdbath

On the subject of our stretch of frigid weather, there was a story in the news the other night about a swimming pool at Phoenix-area home that froze and a video of the residents slapping a hockey puck around on the surface.

It reminded me of growing up in Parker, just up the river from here, when my little brother and I thought it was absolutely amazing when, while leaving for school one morning, we found our mother's birdbath was a solid chunk of ice. Yes, we were easily amused.

What I also remember was how my brother and our friends didn't think twice about playing basketball, football and baseball outdoors in such weather, most times without a jacket or sweater, which really upset my mom.

In contrast, so far this week I can't put on enough layers to insulate me from the chilly temps we're having. I think I now know how that birdbath felt.