Jan 15: My "Cold Waves" Faves

Every now and then, I just can’t help myself. Maybe it happens after watching too much David Letterman before bed or something. For whatever reason, my own version of a Top Ten list pops to mind. This time, I can’t resist taking a whack at South Florida’s "cold wave" - with our sunny skies and our daytime temperatures around 70 degrees as much of the nation shivers in truly bitter winter weather.

So with apologies once again to Mr. Letterman and his talented writers, here’s my list of favorites. "Top Ten Reasons I Love Fort Lauderdale’s 'Cold Wave'":

10) After the sun goes down, I get to close all my windows and go, "Brrrrrrrrr!" Real loud.

9) Seeing all those northern tourists walking around here in tank tops. For Pete’s sake, don’t they know it’s cold??!

8) Feeling the bitter sting of 62 degree tropical breezes on my cheeks.

7) Totally throwing caution to the wind by riding with my convertible top down anyway.

6) When the indoor temperature hits 65 degrees, I can stand up and shout, "That's it! I’m putting on a sweater!"

5) Remembering life in Vermont when anything above 32 degrees in January was a "heat wave."

4) Calling my mother in Chicago, telling her Fort Lauderdale’s low temperature, and listening to her laugh.

3) Five words: Wearing my black leather jacket.

2) Not feeling like an idiot when I order hot soup.

And the Number One Reason I Love Fort Lauderdale"s "Cold Wave":

1) Knowing that a Fort Lauderdale "cold wave" is always followed by a "warming trend." By the weekend.

I hope you have a great weekend, wherever you are. Stay warm! As for me, I plan to enjoy myself. The forecasters tell us it should be warming up a bit by then.