1 . I live in Minnesota, which is unfairly famous for terrible winters. Buffalo is far more wintry, whereas Seattle’s winters are more bitter. Our winters tend to be brilliantly sunny and cheerful. But, of course, it’s different for a visitor.
Lightweight thermal(保暖的) wear is good. Back in the day, we wore layers and layers of heavy woolens. A boy of 13 carrying 35 pounds of wet wool on his back does not feel very cold. Today you can buy outfits filled with goose feathers as well as thermal boots and caps to keep you warm.
When I was a youth, there was no such phrase as global warming. We never got warm, not even at night, when we slept under piles of blankets because Dad believed that if you couldn’t see your breath when you talked, then the thermostat(恒温器) was turned up too high and you were wasting fuel. So 45 degrees was room temperature, and we wore long woolens to bed.
We arose in the cold, dark dawn, and walked forth into the snowstorm to catch the school bus. We huddled(蜷缩) by the highway, praying for the bus to come, while wolves moved around eyeballing us for signs of sleepiness. When you have survived wolves, then the winters of today are a walk in the park.
Enduring winter is only a start—embracing(拥抱) winter is what you should struggle for. Winter gives a sense of purpose and saves one from a life of self-gratification, lying down and posting photos on Facebook. You have promises to keep. A sidewalk to clear. Two inches of snow over a layer of ice—you may as well set a leg trap for the elderly as leave the walk unswept.
You have children to raise. Remove their fingers from their smartphones, and lead them outdoors so they can absorb the wisdom of winter. We are animals. Life is not mainly about self-expression. It is about finding food and clothing and shelter, about sticking with the pack and not wandering off. Everyone is just as cold as you. No complaining.
1. What are Minnesot’s winters like in the author’s eyes?| A．They are wonderful. | B．They are unbearable. |
| C．They are colder than Buffalo’s | D．They are comfortable for visitors. |
| A．he kept talking to keep warm | B．he suffered from winters’ nights |
| C．his dad tried his best to warm him | D．his room was always at a high temperature |
| A．warm | B．quiet | C．short | D．pleasant |
| A．store enough food for cold winters |
| B．lend the neighbors a helping hand |
| C．step outside and appreciate winters |
| D．say goodbye to modern technology |
