Recently my daughter sent me a link to a Jimmy Kimmel skit where he was complaining about the 55 degree “cold snap,” in Los Angeles. “It was so cold I had to wear two tank tops to work,” Kimmel joked.

Weather is relative. Fifty-five degrees in February is chilly in Southern California but warm in Lake Oswego, Oregon where recent memory includes a January “cold snap” of 36 degree highs and lows in the 20s. One of the reasons people love living in Lake Oswego is because of the four seasons. Winter is here and it’s cold, so how do Lake Oswegans make the most of it?

●Hitch a ride on the skibus. The Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Bus provides a midweek getaway on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from nearby locations.

●Sign up for a winter hike. The Parks and Recreation Department offers Thursday walks at destinations no more than an hour away. One of February’s most intriguing itineraries is billed “Travel on the Five T’s” and includes a ride on a Tri Met bus, the Portland Trolley, a Max-Train, a hike on the Marquam Trail and a ride back down to the Tri Met bus on the OHSU Tram.

●Go in search of the perfect cup of coffee. There are ten Starbucks locations alone as well as a Peets. But don’t stop there. Try some local favorites like Chuck’s Place, Coffee Nook, or Blue Moon. And if tea is more to your liking, then Lady Di’s awaits you.

●Hunker down with a good book. Fill out the Lake Oswego Library’s reader profile and a librarian will use your answers to generate a customized list of book recommendations.

●Save 20 percent off golf lessons at the Lake Oswego Golf Course. Want to improve your swing or lower your handicap? Take advantage of this special winter promotion good on individual lessons until February 28.

●Start your plants from seeds. Learn how and save money on your spring planting in this course taught at Luscher Farms.

●Take in a high school basketball game. This year’s Lake Oswego Boys Varsity team is currently ranked #10 nationally. Their next home game is Tuesday, February 5 against Canby. Catch them play their cross-town rivals, the Lakeridge Pacers on Tuesday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeridge High School, 1235 SW Overlook Dr. Come early and catch the girls teams compete at 6:00 p.m.

            What’s your favorite way to while away the winter days in Lake Oswego?

Photo credit: taken by digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net