Cuh-cuh-cold

There's a moment in American Gods when the protagonist, Shadow, having just arrived in Minnesota during the winter decides to go for a walk. After about 10 minutes he discovers what an inordinately bad idea that was - near frozen to death, he's only saved thanks to a passer-by's mercy.

I went for a walk today.

Don't worry I was wrapped up well enough and nothing untoward happened, but it did make me appreciate just how cold it can get out here - I think, factoring in windchill, it was around -11F, and this on a sunny day at that. It really is on a completely different level from anything I've felt in the UK. After all, until today I've never experienced the sensation of mucus freezing in my nostrils (my apologies for the imagery - blame Kevin). Anyway, I've sequestered myself safely indoors now where I'm free to admire the harsh beauty of the Minnesotan winter from a warmer vantage.

Fortunately we're not without some form of amusement to keep ourselves occupied. I think I need to go beat Simon at SSX Tricky. He's been practicing all morning and looks to be getting a little too good for my liking...