This is the year of Linus

 You remember him. No, not THAT Linus.

As any child after the first can tell you, being #2 is a tough job. Worse, for Linus, there are major theological arguments as to whether he should be considered the first, second, or third pope. Depends on the historian's bias, I think.

But, no, I mean THIS Linus.

The kid that illustrated the meaning of the term 'security blanket'.

Who carried his blanket everywhere, unashamed and unafraid of ridicule.

Well, this is his year.

People, particularly of the female type, are keeping wholeheartedly into wearing blankets loosely disguised as clothing.

Yes, that first one has a USB controlled heating element.

I've been bombarded with ads for these over the last week or so. Yes, the temps have dropped considerably over the last few weeks. At first, it was just refreshing after a rather warm late summer.

But for the last week, it's been cold enough to start dragging out the winter clothing and blankets. 

In the Northern states, this isn't that unusual. Winters are cold, and our wardrobes show the result. Slipping into something comfortable doesn't mean silk, it means flannel, sweatshirt material, sheepskin, and plush, velvety warmth.

• Layering
• Underwear
• Thermals - CuddleDuds (lightweight and warm), Long Johns, knit long sleeved t-shirts - the choices vary, but a close fitting base is a must.
• Shirt - long sleeved, do I have to mention?
• "Winter ready" for the lower half
• Long Johns
• Leggings
• Winter tights, a heavier fabric and a tighter weave
• Warm pants, or a mid-calf or longer skirt. If you do wear a skirt, the leggings are a necessity.
• Socks - bring an extra pair or two if it's snowing - these are thick, often Nordic patterned, I have no idea why other than tradition.
• Waterproof shoes or boots - this is NOT the time for athletic or shower shoes.
• Bread baggies - at least two - they make it easier to get your boots on and off.
• Boots are preferred for snow higher than a few inches. If snow gets into the sock layer, it can saturate once melted. Wet socks really make you cold. In any footwear, a good tread is critical.
• Sweater, preferably one that covers your butt. The hood fashion for droopy drawers never was all to popular in Cleveland area winters.
• Coat, Gloves in pocket. Hat on head (Yes, you WILL have 'hat head'. And staticky hair. Get over it - fashion is overrated. If you want, you can tuck a dryer sheet into your hat. Use it to calm down the fly-away strands once you land at your destination
• Scarf - some tuck it into their coats. Most wrap it around the outside, to be pulled up when the wind hits your face.
• Don't forget the window scraper. Mine is VERY sturdy, with an extension handle, and a brush on the flip side. Credit cards work in a pinch, as does the edge of your scarf to clear the junk scraped off the windows.
• This is where having money is SO great. You will want a car with a remote start, heated seats, and a good heating system. These are NOT luxuries - they are necessities.

I hope this explains the apparently chunky shape of those in the Northern Midwest. Yes, we often put on a few pounds pre-winter, for the same reason that bears do.

Fat is an insulator.