According to an article in the Westerly Sun today: “More than a dozen cold-stunned turtles from the New England Aquarium, all in need of rehabilitation before a safe return to the ocean — their natural habitat — have arrived at Mystic Aquarium. 

Sea turtles migrate to the area during the warm summer months but struggle when temperatures drop rapidly. As cold-blooded animals, their core body temperature is directly influenced by the environment. When their body temperature drops, they lose the ability to swim, feed and navigate, often washing up on beaches or in coastal marshes in a seemingly lifeless state.

Four species of sea turtles are affected: Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead, green, and leatherback. Among them, Kemp’s ridley, the smallest and most endangered, is the most commonly stranded species. Each year, hundreds, and sometimes more than 1,000, turtles strand in the region. The number of stranded turtles is increasing, likely due to climate change-related impacts, the aquarium said.”

I’m feeling a little cold-stunned myself.

Last night, as we were cozy on the couch waiting for Hell’s Kitchen to start, Banjo Man announced that outside it was 4 degrees (wind chill temperature).

The heavy sherpa-lined blanket covered the bed shortly after. Clearly winter was here and it was time to bring out the big guns. This morning was even colder. And gray. And windy.

It’s winter, it’s December, I get it. But am I mentally ready?

No.

Are you?