Winter Wonderland

[ksmith]

Ok, maybe not quite. But we are experiencing a bout of unseasonable coolness, with temps running 15-20 degrees below mid-August norms. The pups are peppy, I'm shivering, and the lands End Outlet catalog couldn't have come at a better time. Found a squall parka, snow boots, and other assorted gear. A good pair of wind pants is still on the to-buy list.

In a couple of weeks, we'll be into the -ber months. I don't quite believe it.

Comments

Re: Ditto....

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

When W was interviewing at Microsoft, we visited Seattle. We saw two days that were like most of the year--and one day that is the kind of day people in Seattle rave about. However, it's only like that from after July 4th through October, apparently--then the cloud bank settles back in.

I would need full spectrum light bulbs throughout the house, and maybe a special light lamp, to survive the NW full time. I know the rain gets to Ru occasionally, and she's south in the Oregon corridor between the ranges.

I've never been to NE as an adult--I look forward to it someday.

Re: Ditto....

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

A former manager who was from the Seattle area told us that the worst day for suicides in the area is the first sunny day after the long winter. He said that most people are depressed by this point, but when the sun comes out that first time they flood the beaches and parks, and their moods lift. But if someone is still depressed in spite of the weather change, they reason that they're too far gone to ever pull out and do themselves in.

I love the scenery out there, but I need the sun. Even a week of clouds gets to me.

OTOH, I was there in April 2000 for Norwescon, and then in May 2002 for a visit, and both times were lovely--mostly sunny, with very little rain. But I recall being told that the PacNorWest was dealing with a long drought, and that it normally isn't so sunny so early.

Re: Ditto....

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

But if someone is still depressed in spite of the weather change, they reason that they're too far gone to ever pull out and do themselves in.

Terribly sad, and not true--even something as simple as a natural source of lithium from peas can make a tremendous difference for some people going through a depression cycle--if your minerals are off, you can be in trouble.

OTOH, I was there in April 2000 for Norwescon, and then in May 2002 for a visit, and both times were lovely--mostly sunny, with very little rain. But I recall being told that the PacNorWest was dealing with a long drought, and that it normally isn't so sunny so early.

I think the drought in the west is going on five years--and finally shows some signs of easing a bit.