2014 is a winter to be remembered in Minnesota. Every once in a while we experience a season that is remarkable when compared across a lifetime. While I am not a MN lifer, my adult years belong to the state. Now here for 24 winters and nearly half my life, I have seen enough to recognize an unusual year when I experience it. Simply put, it's been damn cold. Today is February 9, 2014 and I can't remember the last time the mercury crossed the freezing point.

An Arctic Migrant Looking to Warm Up in MN - Bubo scandiacus — An Arctic Migrant Looking to Warm Up in MN - *Bubo scandiacus*

Regardless of the cold, I am determined to document this life and its experiences through pictures. The epic temperatures taunt, but do not hinder. This post is my North Shore Diary for the first weekend in February. During the three days that began on January 31st and ended February 2nd, we saw snow, ice fog, 20 mph wind, and -22 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. When I pulled into a station to fill the gas tank, I commented on the weather... the lifer barely acknowledged my lament when she uttered, "Whadya expect, don'tya know this-ere is Nordern MinnesOta."