MY WINTER BLOG - JANUARY 2026

The Monster Snowstorm January 2026

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and comment on my Holiday blog. Your thoughtful words and shared experiences truly inspire me to keep writing this monthly blog—so please, keep the comments coming. They mean more than you know.

As usual, a lot is going on in our lives. If you’ve been following my posts, you already know a bit about my ongoing medical issues. Many of you have written to share your own experiences with back problems and other skeletal challenges, and I can’t tell you how helpful that’s been. Your stories, advice, and encouragement played a big role in helping me decide to move forward with spinal neck surgery.

The surgery is tentatively scheduled for February 3rd. This week has been filled with medical clearances, appointments, and waiting rooms. On Thursday, I have my pre-op screening at the hospital. If all goes well, I’ll be set for the big day. Our daughter, Deb, has generously volunteered to stay with Anita while I’m in the hospital for two or three days and for a few days after I return home. We are incredibly grateful to her. Knowing she’ll be there gives us both a lot of comfort.

Bob Emptying His Ski Locker 2025

It’s been a little over a year since I was diagnosed with stenosis in both my neck and lower back. At the time, my neurosurgeon strongly advised me to give up high-velocity sports. That meant no more snow skiing. I’ve been skiing for over 50 years, so hearing that felt like a punch to the gut. I’ll admit it—I was in tears as I cleaned out my locker at the ski area. To their credit, they graciously refunded my locker fee and my season pass, but that didn’t make saying goodbye any easier.

Which brings me to snow—lots of it. The photo outside my front door shows about ten inches on the ground, and this marks our third snowstorm of the winter. I was chatting with one of the maintenance guys in our community the other day, and he told me he was praying we wouldn’t get any more snow. I told him that when I lived in Crested Butte, Colorado, most people in town prayed for snow. Out West, snow is lifeblood.

Ironically, this winter, the western part of the country has seen relatively low snowfall totals. In dry seasons like this, many ski areas rely heavily on artificial snow to stay open. Some western resorts did benefit from the same storm that dumped snow on Long Island, and I hope their snowpack continues to build. As for us, it looks like we may get yet another round of snow this weekend—because why not?

What’s going on with all this snow in the New York area? When we decided to move back here, we were encouraged by reports of milder winters and less snowfall in recent years. Apparently, we missed the memo. It’s not just snowy, it’s cold. Temperatures have dipped into single digits for days and nights. We keep telling ourselves it’s the damp cold that really gets into your bones. But if we’re being honest, it’s probably also our age catching up with us.

We left the mountains nearly nine years ago, and fittingly, it was during a raging snowstorm. Somehow, back then, we managed to get through those long, cold mountain winters without too much complaint. Being ten years younger surely helped.

My car battery was the first thing to go when the cold temps hit. I already knew the battery wouldn't make it through the winter. Before its demise, I left my lights on one chilly night. The next morning, it started with an effort. I drove over to our fitness center. When I came out, it was dead. I called AAA; they came out, jumped it, and it started, but the technician recommended I replace it. This is an excellent service they offer, and it's probably not much more expensive than going to an auto shop. I stayed home while it was being replaced.

As if winter needed to add another twist, our heating system decided it wasn’t quite up to the task. The maintenance team kindly provided space heaters while they investigated. We have a new heat pump system that was installed shortly after we moved in last May. Today, a specialist arrived and found snow and ice encircling the outside unit. Once it was cleared, the heat came roaring back, and suddenly our apartment felt downright cozy again. So, lesson learned: even modern technology doesn’t like being buried in snow.

Don’t get me wrong, we have no regrets about moving here. The timing was right, and being close to family has made all the difference, especially as we navigate health challenges. Looking ahead, we may consider spending part of next winter in a warmer climate, assuming our health allows it. I finally understand why so many New Yorkers head to Florida when winter rolls around.

I hope your winter is going well, wherever you are, and that you’re staying warm, healthy, and hopeful. Thanks again for reading—and for being part of this journey with me.

Take a look at my books. You might find something to read on those cold, wintry nights.