Janet
Bub...I can't remember where you came from, but I hear they're predicting another mild winter this year. I just hope it hasn't already begun because fall's usually gorgeous around here. 43 isn't even near gorgeous...unless it's January or February! :)
We lived in Iowa ... middle of the state. Not unusual for dead of winter temps to get to -10 ~ -20. But it was a dryer cold than when I lived in NJ. I'll take -20 with low humidity any day over 30 with high like I used to endure back in New Jersey.
We are surrounded by woods on two sides at our new place, can't wait for the leaves to turn. We had no trees to speak of in Iowa. Too flat and windy. :)