Soooo sick of the cold up here. :(

[John Schmidt]

Was 27deg. today, only a couple degrees warmer in my unheated garage. Was trying to get something done on the bike and finally gave up. I'd work for 10 min. then go inside for 30 min. just to get warmed up...mostly my hands. Go back out for 10, back in for 30....back and forth like that and after nearly two hours of accomplishing very little I gave up and went inside for good. I know what needs to be done, just impossible to do it. We had a dusting of snow during the night yesterday morning but it was just warm enough for it to melt...low 30's. Possibility of more over the next 48 hrs.. Only one good thing about the winter weather up here; you can do your grocery shopping first then take in a movie or go out for dinner, then when you go back to your place(still won't call it home cuz it doesn't feel like it) to unload the groceries....the ice cream hasn't melted and the OJ often has ice crystals. Here's hoping I can find a short term rental for 3-4 months next winter. Maybe longer....like return the end of April/early May. 

Even on days when you have bright sunshine like a couple days ago....it's miserable. I took the car down to the mailboxes to get my mail and soon as I stepped out I was hit with 35-40mph winds with a temperature around 33. I thought "screw this, don't need the mail" and went back to the apartment.

[cookiedough]

welcome to WI!   

Green Bay up north is colder and somewhat windier (overall) than southern WI closer to the Il border.  But, we get (overall) more borderline freezing rain B.S. so not sure which is worse, more snow and colder temps or freezing rain to drive in? 

I think the older we get the less we like colder temps and snow.  It is just starting to bother me a smidge but living in WI all my life here am used to it.

I would say beginning of April heading back to WI not end of April for cycle riding season to begin regularly but still pretty cold out in the morning with temps still in the upper 30s / low 40s for longer rides.

Hang in there ONLY a few more weeks to go I hope and hope April dries out vs. all this rain we are suppose to be getting soon.

[Valkorado]

Same for me in my 12x20 unheated uninsulated shed.   Look at the bright side, you're now living where you can really notice the seasons -- if not appreciate them all!

[old2soon]

      John-would an electric space heater at least make It tolerable? AND the WHY of-well part of the WHY-me leavin in 78. I lived maybe 10 miles from where Ross lives now. I'm usually ridin anywhere from a month or so before he does. Far as the meat hooks gittin cold first-Trust me I GIT IT!  I've noticed as I've aged my tolerance for the cold is no where as good as it used ta wuz!  And my service in the tropics-Nam-did NOT help my cold tolerance. RIDE SAFE.

[Skinhead]

I don't like the cold, but what I hate even more is the endless gray, overcast all the time.  One day of cold sunshine, then back to gray and cloudy.  It's depressing.

[LadyDraco]

Sounds  like Virginia  !!!
If we  had  10 days  of  Sunshine  this  winter  it was a  lot !

[DDT (12)]

John,

Be strong, my friend... this, too, shall pass... I think you might be onto something with the wintertime rental thing! The older I get, the wiser those snowbirds appear to this not-so-wise bird!!! Best of all worlds while skipping the worst through keeping it in the 'theoretical category'... Good luck... See ya, maybe, in a few months!

DDT

[98valk]

10-20 more yrs of the Grand solar minimum.
  https://abruptearthchanges.com/2018/01/14/climate-change-grand-solar-minimum-and-cosmic-rays/

    Update 5.29. 2019: The next Grand Solar Minimum has (very likely) begun: NASA predicts lowest solar cycle in 200 years

During a solar minimum – and particularly – in a Grand Solar Minimum, more cosmic rays enter Earth’s atmosphere. Here, these high velocity particles (mostly protons) collide with atmospheric atoms and dissociate in a cascading mode into smaller subatomic particles. These particles act as cloud nuclei by ionization and propagate low level cloud formation. Some particles may reach the Earth’s surface and even penetrate it. In this way, more cosmic rays accelerate storm formation, erratic rainfall, snowstorms, hail, local flooding, and in the long run – global cooling. (Fig. 2).

[signart]

Just to get you by so you can at least work while you feel like it, try one of these. Runs off your gas grill propane bottle, around $100. When running wide open will almost heat a small space instantly, then you can turn it down. Upside it doesn't blow air all round, only downside a little noisy on high, but warms the area so fast it's very tolerable on low. Will heat a large space also.

[Jack B]

I hope you will enjoy our summers more than our winters.

[cookiedough]

Just to get you by so you can at least work while you feel like it, try one of these. Runs off your gas grill propane bottle, around $100. When running wide open will almost heat a small space instantly, then you can turn it down. Upside it doesn't blow air all round, only downside a little noisy on high, but warms the area so fast it's very tolerable on low. Will heat a large space also.

that one will work well in a garage or I bought this one but most of the heat blows UP but still on low works well say if 20 degrees out in garage will be almost tolerable with light jacket on warms up to low 40s in few hours needed to get stuff done maybe?

https://www.amazon.com/Dura-Heat-TT-360-Propane-Degree/dp/B00EFKURHW/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=propane+heaters&qid=1584893222&sr=8-12

but this one is smaller less BTU and think might be better since directs the heat outward not mostly UP to get closer to your working areas blowing it more so on YOU where YOU need it vs. mostly just UPWARD.  

https://www.amazon.com/World-Marketing-Propane-TankTop-Heater/dp/B002LLMGEO/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=propane+heaters&qid=1584893222&sr=8-16

ONLY issue me using it a few times in my garage this winter is these heaters produce a lot of moisture and dampness in the garage in an enclosed area saw my cars and cycles sweat with water due to these space heaters.  

I think if I was into my late 70s and early 80s living in Florida or someplace south for the winter is a good idea as well.   I tell you what though,  that ONE day about 1 month ago we had 60 degrees fluke day sitting outside on the patio sipping on a few of your favorite beverages in shorts with snow on the grass all around with shorts on was a BIG BIG smile to my face just sat out there grilling and drinking for a few hours in the afternoon and was a weekend day as well not working a weekday.

too bad those days do not come around more often in WI and upper state winters.  and YES,  if is NOT too cold it is either too windy or too cloudy NO sun to enjoy being outside much either.  Yes,  sort of gets depressing even for those who have lived here all our lives.    I think FALL into November for me is the most depressing knowing winter is coming and unless into snowmobiling, ice fishing, walking in the woods, etc. hunting , etc. is not good to think of what is coming - OLD MAN WINTER   :'(

[MAD6Gun]

 I hear ya John. My garage is insulated but it still gets cold out there. I have two electric heaters in it but I got to go out and start them early to get some heat in the place. I made the mistake of turning them on low last month,my electric bill doubled as a result.  I've been lazy this winter, haven't even started the winter maintenance on the Valk. Needs tires and some polishing to do.

 Hang in there it will warm up eventually. See you at inzane...

[John Schmidt]

If I could do so, I would get one of the torpedo heaters for the garage...or similar in capability. Problem is, since I live in an apartment I'm not allowed to have anything other than an electric heater. Not sure how well they would work since the circuits are only fused with 20amp breakers. That doesn't leave much power for me to use any tools. Supposed to be in the mid-upper 40's this week, even predicting 54 on Wednesday....believe that when I see it.

I'm with Skinhead, those few days when the sun doth shineth you still have to fight those gentle 30+mph winds with temps in the 20's & 30's. That goes right through me, especially if it's on the tail of some rain. I was born and raised in Iowa so not unfamiliar with midwest weather. Seemed every station I had in the USAF following boot camp was north...north...and further north, ending in Limestone, ME, i.e., Loring AFB. If you had 100" of snow it was a light winter. First winter up there a record was broken and reset; over 20 days in a row it never got above -20. We would go through a 55 gal. drum of heating oil per week, temps in the -35 to -40 were not unusual and you were warned to not relieve yourself on the flightline. The results were not only painful but permanent. There were always a couple of dipsticks that finished their life with a new nickname. I agree with O2S....I think with the years one's tolerance for things uncomfortable(cold) diminishes, I know mine has. After 53 yrs. in Florida(took that long to thaw out after Loring), I became more confortable in summer there than winter up here. I keep telling my girls I'm still looking for a retired 60 yr. old hooker that needs a handyman....or a man handy. The older gal gets all flustered with dad when I tell her that, the younger tells me to wake up cuz I'm dreaming again. 

[98valk]

home use electric heaters are limited to 1500 watts.  get a ceramic element type with a fan.

[cookiedough]

home use electric heaters are limited to 1500 watts.  get a ceramic element type with a fan.

still either one will not do in the garage UNLESS right on top of you and still not do much IMO, but something I guess is better than nothing at least if in garage you out of the elements/wind, etc. 

AS far as 60 year old hookers,  at least you cannot get her pregnant anymore right?   

[_Sheffjs_]

When you let us know your plans it reminded me of the proposed moratorium (80s) in Sarasota that literally but us furniture builders out of work, I went back up to Chicago where I knew I could make killer money, well I made some serious money real quick and made darn sure not to be around for a second winter. It is very difficult to go back that far north after the amount of time we both lived here. There are many places near the Valkyrie Cottage on the cheap side.  

[John Schmidt]

Jerry....we need to talk. 

[Crackerborn]

I moved to the cheeseland in January, 23 years ago, from sunny south FL. The only job I could get was the one that transferred me here in Chi or as an outside trimmer in Hartland. Since I had a month before I had to accept the Chi job I tried the trim job. Run facia, install exterior columns, hand rail, shutters and similar coming in for lunch to thaw out and then back out. Believe it or not, I enjoyed it once I figured out how to layer up but I could never keep my hands warm so when the deadline arrived to take the job in Chi, off I went. Now after having lived in WI this long (I commuted to Chi) I can no longer take the 80*+ days and 85% humidity that would be in FL. I return to Alachua County to visit family 3 to four times a year and occasionally wander down to Stuart to see old friends but seldom stay more than a week in FL. I have been back to Mouth of the Rat once since I moved here. I flew into Ft Lauderdale and rented a car. I was already suffering from road rage by the time I left the parking lot from the no-heads. A stop in Boca to see an old friend that was visiting his parents and I left swearing to never return. The old friend lives in the Sacramento area and the only reason for me to go south of Stuart would be a Dry Tortuga's fishing trip.

The bride of 33 years wants me to build a winter house on some property we own in Alachua County. I keep telling her "sure, have a good time there".  

[cookiedough]

It is hot down there in Florida/Alabama area that is for sure something I was not used to driving down there some 20+ hours in mid June some 8 or so years ago with the family.  Having 90 degree humid heat at say 8 or 9 a.m. was unbearable to me.  I never got used to the constant quick thundershower in Gulf Shores AL that would come on in downpour and 5 minutes later the sun was out and hot and boiling hot again sweating my butt off. 

[baldo]

John, I've had good luck with oil-filled electric radiators.

[John Schmidt]

John, I've had good luck with oil-filled electric radiators.

I've considered a couple of those and put a small fan behind them.

[_Sheffjs_]

I moved to the cheeseland in January, 23 years ago, from sunny south FL. The only job I could get was the one that transferred me here in Chi or as an outside trimmer in Hartland. Since I had a month before I had to accept the Chi job I tried the trim job. Run facia, install exterior columns, hand rail, shutters and similar coming in for lunch to thaw out and then back out. Believe it or not, I enjoyed it once I figured out how to layer up but I could never keep my hands warm so when the deadline arrived to take the job in Chi, off I went. Now after having lived in WI this long (I commuted to Chi) I can no longer take the 80*+ days and 85% humidity that would be in FL. I return to Alachua County to visit family 3 to four times a year and occasionally wander down to Stuart to see old friends but seldom stay more than a week in FL. I have been back to Mouth of the Rat once since I moved here. I flew into Ft Lauderdale and rented a car. I was already suffering from road rage by the time I left the parking lot from the no-heads. A stop in Boca to see an old friend that was visiting his parents and I left swearing to never return. The old friend lives in the Sacramento area and the only reason for me to go south of Stuart would be a Dry Tortuga's fishing trip.

The bride of 33 years wants me to build a winter house on some property we own in Alachua County. I keep telling her "sure, have a good time there".  

I know cheeseland very well, many moons ago stayed at a friends large second home on lake Namakagon and snowmobiled all over creation. We used to run over the line as the drinking age was 18 and 21 in Illinois back then. 21 years in Arlington Heights.  The many points about Florida you make are so true, Sherry and I are sick of the heat and humidity, Sarasota is now Miami. Snowbirds do have it good with weather and there are much better areas with our best riding roads near Brooksville that does not have the traffic we have.   We hope to retire in a place where we never think about hurricanes but that will be 1/2 way back. I prefer neither extreme.   

[Crackerborn]

The spouse and I had always planned to retire to the Blue Ridge area, north GA, NC, TN, possibly even VA. VA is no longer a state I wish to spend any of my money in. NC has a tax on non-resident second homes that makes it a poor choice. That leaves GA and TN in the running IF I could convince the spouse to move that far from the grandkids.
 
We built our "retirement" home here in WI over the last few years on waterfront property in western Kenosha County. I have a nice toy shop out back that is insulated and heated and am trying to convince the building dept that an attached pole barn type structure to keep the boat and tractor under is within code. With a complete wood shop and, currently, 4 bikes there is no room for those two not to mention the bucket on the tractor is the snow removal tool. The barn was part of the property when we purchased it but not insulated even though it had a wood burning stove in it.

John, I have used Little Buddy propane heaters for quick heat https://www.menards.com/main/heating-cooling/heaters/gas-garage-heaters/mr-heater-reg-15-000-btu-tank-top-portable-propane-heater/f242100/p-1444441203884-c-6861.htm Just don't get them to close to anything flammable and be careful to have ventilation since they do produce CO. Tell the land lord you use it for ice fishing. 

[_Sheffjs_]

I owned a Kenosha Cadillac   

[MarkT]

John, I lived there for my last 2 years of high school and a cpl more before the service. Walked 2 miles to my girlfriends house to catch the school bus in all weather including well below zero winters.  Returned after a hitch with Uncle Sugar from 77 to 87, graduated UW-P, when I left for Colorado for good.  Returned to visit frequently.  When I lived there I rode motorcycles in the winter, in the snow.  Hunted deer in the far north, stayed in tents in deep snow.  Got my fill of cold.  My sympathies.  I tolerated it when younger, was easier than it would be now.  You need the right gear for that cold.  Design temps there are 20° colder than here.

[Davemn]

It’s not cold until the snow “squeaks” when you walk on it.

[John Schmidt]

It’s not cold until the snow “squeaks” when you walk on it.

I thought so too...before I realized it was my joints, not the snow. 

[MarkT]

It’s not cold until the snow “squeaks” when you walk on it.

And every time you breathe in, your snot freezes and the air is so cold it hurts your lungs.  If you have face hair - it's covered with ice.  You wear a very thick down coat with layers underneath, a balaclava and hoody and you'd BETTER get a pair of army north pole mittens.  Extreme cold boots, electric socks are a great idea.  If you carry, getting to it quickly is a challenge.  "Hey hold on a minute, let me get my wallet out..."  Of course back then, there were no CCW's issued there.  Glad they fixed that.

[da prez]

Snow squeaks at 14 degrees and colder.

          da prez