It is wicked cold today.

Wicked as in so cold your nose can freeze shut if you stay outside too long.

And too long is about ten minutes.

It started snowing before the sun rose, and in this wicked cold that means fine crystals that swirl about in the air every time a vehicle passes the house.

Snow connoisseurs can tell you a lot about the quality of any measurable amount of falling flakes by their sound. When it’s wicked cold, the snow squeaks underfoot as you pad along because the air is so dry.

If it’s sunny and a bit warmer, it grunts as you step along.

And there’s the sloshing sound of slush when it all starts to melt.

Today’s a squeaky day.