Yes, it is winter -- don't take chances

Hi neighbors. Although winter began on Dec. 21, this last week has really demonstrated to us how winter should feel. I have stayed in my little house and I hope most of you have had that opportunity as well.

When I got up this morning, Thursday, I noticed there was no frost or ice on the car windshield. Then I remembered how cold it got last night and realized it was too cold to frost! That's too cold, my friends.

I wonder what has happened that the arctic blasts are coming our way on the jet stream more often.

Did Canada move a mountain or something? Is this a sign of things to come? Global warming may be just a daydream when a new ice age is more likely.

I do not have a wood burning stove; but if I ever get the opportunity to install one I certainly will. It just sounds like a good survival tip to have an alternative heat source. Especially if the next few winters are as cold as this one has already been.

Maybe we will only have global warming in the summer months; and have a mini-ice age emerging only in the winter months. Anyway, for those of us on a set income, increased heating and cooling costs will have an effect.

One thing that's good is the agreement with the city of Nevada and the M-Nod Cab Company. It's nice to know that if my car won't start, or I wake up to find a flat tire; that I can call a cab. These coupons are available at city hall and are priced at about half the price of a non-coupon fare.

A town the size of Nevada is blessed to have a cab company in the first place; and one that will help people for a reasonable price is wonderful.

Some people don't know, but the M-Nod Cab company also has a handicapped van that can take people who rely on wheelchairs to their destinations here in town. Low priced cab coupons for the handicapped van are also on sale at city hall.

I've heard adult children of elderly parents being discouraged about taking their loved ones out for a meal or shopping because getting their wheelchairs in and out of their cars is so difficult.

You may not use a cab, but for people who rely on them we are grateful to have a cab company right here in Nevada.

Another suggestion is using the Medicare Oats bus contracted to the Nevada Regional Medical Center. For a small donation -- or free -- people will be picked up (even in wheelchairs) and taken to their doctor's appointments anywhere within 30 miles of Nevada. Call the hospital for more information.

There is another Oats bus driver working from the senior center who is not limited to taking people to doctor appointments. Call the Vernon County Senior Center for more details.

Please remember that using these options is the only way to guarantee they will remain available here in Nevada.

So far this winter we have not had a need for sidewalk shovelers to clean off snow or ice for those unable to do this themselves. Just remember, it isn't the act of shoveling snow that does the most damage; it's the breathing in of frigid air while doing it. If you have any health problems, please consider paying someone to shovel your sidewalks instead of trying to do it yourself.

If you are a young, healthy person who would like to make some money shoveling snow or chipping ice; please put an ad in the Nevada Daily Mail letting people know. Many of us older folks will save your ad till it's needed and call you then ... or make arrangements ahead of the time of need to guarantee your assistance when the time comes.

Until the next time friends, remember, this cold air can be deadly. At the least it can cause frostbite and invite respiratory problems. Even if you are a younger adult, please don't take chances. Give your car plenty of time to warm up when headed for work or out for errands. Stay warm, check on friends and family often, and stay safe!