[LMB] AKICOT:L - Needed items for MSP area?

[M. Haller Yamada]

Talking about a winter coat for Minnesota -- the winters here are pretty cold (about -30 C, which I understand is pretty darn close to -30 F). I got a great coat from Land's End -- it's a car coat that goes past my knees, it comes in big sizes, and it's WARM! Warm enough to watch kids do speed-skating trials for an hour or two.
However, it's too warm for commuting. If you are spending most of your time in a car or in an office, you can get by with a not-so-warm coat. I would wear a very warm hat for the dash in and out. And have an extra layer or two in the car in case you get stranded for some reason.
A lot of people here have a lap throw in the car -- cute little plaid thingie that keeps their knees warm during the drive. I always thought it was kind of old-ladyish, but I'm tempted to get one next winter. 
I don't know if you have these in the States, but there are chemical heat pads here -- ones that you can even slip into your shoes, and keep your toes warm (great for the car, or those frozen teachers' rooms with rattling windows).
And this isn't clothing related, but humidity is a big thing in winter -- or rather the lack of it. A humidifier works wonder in the bedroom at night. I often wear a surgical mask to bed when I'm getting/having/recovering from a cold. A personal mister with lavender water is also something I use quite often, but the effect may be more placebo than anything else.. 
Hope that helps . . .
Micki (in Hokkaido Japan, if you were wondering)

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