I know what you mean about threads devolving into general chats. I guess when nothing much is going on that is a way to keep in touch. Hey, even we don't get down to the 20's at night.
Weather is cloudy then sunny and warm ( at least for us.) Running in the 70's. Pretty nice. Garden is doing great this year except for aphid infestation. I pretty much stick with specific threads like dahlias, lilies, peonies. After several years it is interesting to watch in the spring as they start blooming their way up to us. I think I have stolen a march on the lower 48 for dahlias this year. Very unusual.