The clock radio woke me up this morning by listing all the area schools and businesses that are cancelled or delayed today. I listened to the alphabetical list, and of course the University of Iowa was not included. I don’t know if it’s the rugged pioneer spirit of our ancestors or what, but this place never closes. I heard a rumor that it closed once in 1994, but that was before I lived here so I don’t know.

I think it might have something to do with the hospital, which is part of the University and by far the largest health care center in the area. I guess if they shut down the University, they’d have to shut down the hospital too, and then everyone would die. That would be a shame. I don’t see why it would be so hard to shut down everything except the hospital, though.

It has been just about the worst December ever, weather-wise. I’m really glad we moved into the house last year at this time instead of this year; moving in 2 degrees Fahrenheit (a couple of weeks ago) or with 4 inches of wet, heavy, sleety snow on the ground (now) would be a giant pain.

Hm, I didn’t mean to sound so whiny. It’s not really that bad. I have boots to keep my feet warm and dry, and I bought myself a little treat over lunch today: some peppermint-scented shower gel, to get me in the holiday spirit.

Fa la la la la to you too.