A Pro Tip Regarding Frost on Grass
Posted on November 5, 2021 Posted by John Scalzi 15 Comments
If there’s frost on your grass and your dog is out in the yard and doesn’t want to come in, resist the temptation to say “Oh, well, I’ll just walk across the yard in my bare feet to get her, how cold can it actually be” because the answer is, in fact, really friggin’ cold, and by the time you get back the the house you’ll will be certain that you have lost toes to frostbite, while the damn dog is, of course, entirely unaffected and wanting to go outside again immediately.
You’re welcome.
— JS
Yesterday in class one of my Southern students was telling one of my Midwestern students that he woke up and there was SNOW on his pumpkin outside. She had to explain the concept of frost to him.
Thanks! Needed that giggle this morning. Have a great weekend!
Here in Minnesota, we sometimes go out barefoot in full snow — you know, to grab some wood for the fireplace or hack off a chunk of frozen moose for dinner. But we also elected Jesse Ventura at one point, so …
What is Things-someone-who-lives-in-the-desert-would-never-say, for $400 please….
:)
I moved a month ago to a new space. I can now testify that the new apartment is very toasty warm as it got down to thirty degrees last night here in Portland, Maine.
The only cold spots are the stone floors that they put down in the kitchen and bathroom. Bare feet when pissing at four in the mooring is a definite no-no!
Been there. I sympathize.
Yeah, it was a little nippy this morning. We (me and my mother) just got back from an outing to Stillwater Prairie this morning. Also made a stop at Greenville Falls–have you ever been there? If not, it would be a nice place to explore with your camera.
Also it’s not good for the grass. Frosted leaves will break, then die off, leaving black footprints when it warms up.
But I think you have grass and to spare.
Can verify as to the immunity of dogs to cold. Last winter was my German Shepherd L’Rell’s first winter and even at minus 11 (I live in Idaho) she loved being outside.
To be clear, she’s a house dog and sleeps on my bed. I make sure she comes in to warm up and drink water frequently.
A reminder–delivered via the feet–that the frost that forms on clear nights reflects the fact that the temperature of the black night sky is 4 degrees–absolute.
On the plus side, you got a lovely photo out of it. Thanks for the (rather rueful, I also have a dog who doesn’t care about unpleasant weather) chuckle.
Also beware of frost on steps. A few years ago I let Dog out late at night. Had to go fetch (blind) dog. Slipped. Whacked head. Spent unknown time lying in snow in dressing gown. Front door left open after Dog went indoors on its own. Not a happy thing.
Not recommended as an evening entertainment option
Oh no! LOL! Did that once! Ow!
Hey did the frozen grass slash your feet to bleeding shreds with its icy daggers? No?
Then it wasn’t that cold.
plus, uphill both ways :)