BUT I will say that Wisconsin is simply the best place to be in winter and I sure will miss ya.

So I’m packing up my long Johns, grabbin’ my best friend, Colby and hittin’ the jet streams to head south.

‘Til next year Wisconsin,
Old Man Winter

P.S. I gotta say, I’m really into this whole blog thing. Wonder if the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel needs any writers in the off season?

I do, however, have a few more stops before I pack up the ole cape and snowboard, like the Irishman’s Walk in Plymouth, WI – a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day complete with a parade! I will say the thought of seeing green makes me feel… well, a little queasy, but it should be a great time!

Melting…emotionally,
Old Man Winter

Hope I can lure you onto the ice,
Old Man Winter

I suggest all you “polar bears” go and grab a nice cup of coffee or hot apple cider at nearby Alterra Coffee by the Lake.

Glad we can still call it winter around here,
Old Man Winter

Yep, I think I’ll stay a while,
Old Man Winter

P.S. Want more? Look for me in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today.

You see, the last time I went to the waterpark at Paradise Landing I left things, well…a bit slippery. You’ll see in the video below what I’m talkin’ about. Boy, when I came down that waterslide the whole pool turned right into ice! But, the kids seemed to enjoy it, and it sure made the slides go faster.

It’s Kowabunga Time!
Old Man Winter

That said, if you’re in Chicago or Minneapolis, you just may get the chance to see me. I am in your neighborhood from time-to-time, spreadin’ the word about winter in Wisconsin.  Often times I hang out in the mall. I park my snowmobile in the garage and head up to the shops to check out the latest snowboarding gear. Actually, it looks like someone snapped a picture of me heading back to Wisconsin the other day…

I tell ya, it’s hard for me to slip away without gettin’ caught.  However, you on the other hand might have an easier time escaping for the weekend. So, if you’re ever lookin’ to explore Wisconsin’s best snowmobiling trails or want to get cozy in a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, remember to keep me in mind.

See you out there,
Old Man Winter

Seriously though, not only am I obsessed with watching the snowboarding competitions but now, I’m entirely fixated on freestyle skiing.  So, instead of working overtime to bring Wisconsin lots of snow, I’ve been kickin’ it with my buddies, parked around the TV. Sorry Wisco, but everyone’s gotta take a break once in a while. And it’s not like it’s all goin to waste, you know. This is research! And inspiration…

Speaking of being motivated, I’ve gotta give another shout out to all the Wisconsin Olympians competing this year. Their athletic abilities make me proud. Let’s give each one of them the recognition they deserve!

Signing out,
An inspired Old Man Winter

So get out there and enjoy it my lovely Wisconsinites. Spend the day with your favorite people and go play in the snow if you’ve got it. The option to get into winter sports will quickly slip away if you don’t take advantage. I mean, Wisconsin’s outdoor activities are nearly endless in winter.

Take my advice. Don’t make this Valentine’s Day a lazy Sunday. Take your girl out on a cross-country ski trip or go rent a snowmobile for some afternoon fun. And for those of you that forgot to pick up a gift for today, a surprise adventure will usually do the trick.

Master of Keepin’ the Ladies Happy,
Old Man Winter

I gotta give a shout out to all the Wisconsin Olympians competing this year. Seems that we’re well represented, and rightly so. I mean, from skiing to skating, Wisconsin practically breathes winter sports.

Gooooo Team USA!
Old Man Winter