Full moon and 48 degrees. Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s tonight in Orlando. So what do I do to prepare for the cold weather? I went out to the grocery store to buy ice cream. I had a can of whipped cream in the refrigerator, so I had to get something to put the whipped cream on.

Earlier this morning, my truck would not start, and I was late for work. I had to buy a new battery and have the old one replaced. Not that I am complaining, since the dead battery was the original. The battery lasted six years, and the road service mechanic was surprised it lasted that long. I have a new battery, and the alternator and electrical system are fine. I am good to go wherever.

I could whine about the cost of the battery. Or I could complain about being late for work. But I'm not. It was an inconvenience, but nothing that could not be fixed.

Last night, I talked to a friend of mine who has a part-time job on the weekend to earn some extra money. He works at one of the tourists attractions as a food vendor. The work requires him to be outside all day in all weather conditions. Heat, rain, wind and cold, he goes to work, and he doesn't complain. He is on his feet all day, and a lot of heavy lifting is required.

My friend told me about his day at work on Sunday. Temperatures were in the 50s and windy. Hot coffee and cocoa were the big sellers that day.

The cold weather did not make him mad. What did make him mad was the visitors at the amusement park complaining to him about the cold weather. They complained that they did not come down from a northern or eastern state to experience cold weather. They complained about having to walk from ride to ride in the windy cold. These are the same people who complain about the price of admission to the park and the cost of the food, drink, and souvenirs. And they complain to him whenever a ride breaks down.

A cold front from an arctic blast is not his fault. Nor is a malfunction causing a ride to shut down. And he doesn't set the prices for food, drink, or admission to the park. But he is the one to hear about the complaints.

Whenever I have been on vacation, I have to take into consideration that the weather may not be perfect conditions. And I am not going to complain to an employee of a tourist attraction about the weather, let alone the price of admission. That employee did not set the prices.

A few years ago, I went to Seattle during the month of February. The temperatures were in the 50s during the day, and down to the upper 20s at night. Across the border into Canada is White Rock, south of Vancouver. Although I was there in the winter months, I still to this day think that region of the United States and Canada is the most beautiful part of the country I have ever seen. On my visit to Mount Rainer National Park, I had to drive on roads considered hazardous due to snow and ice. No problem. Just drive slowly and carefully. What are you going to do? Complain to the park ranger about weather and driving conditions?

Vacations are meant to be enjoyed. There is not much one can do if the weather conditions are poor. Make the best of the attraction you are visiting. A few years ago, I went to Andersonville, Georgia. It rained the day I was there at the national park and cemetery. If you are familiar with the history of Andersonville, the rain made the experience even more somber. That experience alone made me thought even more about those who have sacrificed and died during times of war.

When planning a vacation, take into consideration what the weather will be like for that area during that time of the year. Pack any items you may need just in case a change in the weather occurs. Many tourist come to Orlando during the winter months packing t-shirts and shorts. Trust me, every year during the winter months, we get a cold front that makes its way here. Do not whine about it. Just pack a sweater, denim jeans, and a jacket. You will be fine. And you will not have to worry about the ice cream novelty you bought before your next ride melting on you.

Now where is that whipped cream?

Watching the clothes go round. Those are lyrics from a song by the Pretenders. I used to do that, but now that I have a computer, I can write these blogs while the clothes go round. Great!

I want to get this out of the way so I can watch the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics. The opening and closing ceremonies of the winter/summer games are always a spectacle to watch. I do not watch complete coverage of the Olympics, but I will be watching hockey and figure skating. The bobsled and luge has always interested me, as well as the alpine skiing and the ski jumping. Does anyone remember "Eddie the Eagle" from England? Or the Jamacian Bobsled Team? And I always remember where I was when the U.S Hockey team beat Russia.

I love watching the figure skating. It amazes me how athletic yet graceful the skaters are. And if anyone thinks that figure skaters are not athletes, then they can put on skates and get their sorry ass out on the ice and try to do what Michelle Kwan or Irina Slutskaya does on the ice. I know people that have a hard time walking in street shoes, let alone skating on ice.

I miss ice skating. I may have to find an ice rink near by and buy a pair of ice skates. But for now, the clothes have stopped going around, so it's time to fold and hang any garments.

Take care, and cheer on the athletes from the United States.

Clear and cool tonight. Perfect for sitting out on the patio and smoking a cigar. And if you are wondering if I had a drink to go along with that cigar, it was a glass of ice water. I have to work tomorrow, so I have to keep a clear head.

Valentine's Day is coming, and I do not have a significant other to spend that day with. My friends have since married and are raising children, and I seldom hear from them anymore, let alone see them. I always thought that there would be cook-outs and holiday gatherings, and that there would be someone that I would be introduced to. That has not happened. Hell, I had one friend of mine who was married that expected me to introduce him to women! When a man who does not smoke, drink, and is married wants to hang out in smoke-filled singles bars with you, there is a problem. As far as I am concerned, stay at home with the wife!

A few couples I know tried introducing me to other guys so I could have a drinking buddy. Sorry, I have had enough drinking buddies over the years.

And then there are my friends who are married and call me up to go drinking. And then they tell the wife that I am the one who wants to go out for a few beers. Sorry! Next time, bring the wife. And if she has a single female friend, bring her along. Better yet, why don't we just go out for dinner? I like to eat.

Valentine's Day will be a busy day for the restaurants. All the couples going out for dinner at the fancy bistros. I would go and treat myself to a nice meal at a favorite restaurant, but I would really feel lonely. I guess it would be best to cook my favorite meal at home, then have a few after dinner drinks.

And I could have that after dinner cigar to go with those drinks. I wouldn't have to worry about someone asking me to put the cigar out.