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I grew up in the South West. I don't miss hundred-plus degree summers, burning my hands on steering wheels and the backs of my legs on car seats. I don't miss t

I grew up in the South West. I don't miss hundred-plus degree summers, burning my hands on steering wheels and the backs of my legs on car seats. I don't miss the asphalt being tacky because of the heat, or the sandy, sticky, salt-encrusted feeling after spending a day running errands, alternating between air conditioned interiors and sun-baked exteriors. I certainly understand why other people might not enjoy the perpetual cold, damp, and fog of San Francsico. But every time I need to add another blanket at night, or put on a jacket during the day, or close the window against a chilly July evening, I give a happy, contented, slightly chilly sigh.

bherms 14y ago
I guess that's personal preference. Growing up in Indiana, we hit 100+ in the height of summer (and humid as hell) and subzero in the winter... While I don't _enjoy_ those extremes, it does really lend to a sense of time passing and makes the really nice days throughout spring and fall that much more enjoyable. I miss waking up on Xmas to a foot of snow, despite not enjoying snow, and having to huddle around a fire to warm up after being outside. I hate the cold, but I dig how it brings people together. As for the heat, you'll never appreciate a cold beer or lemonade (or both) like you will after mowing your lawn in 90+ degree weather. And those first few days of spring where it's light sweater weather in the morning and then 80 the rest of the day after having just braved a winter of snow and freezing temps? That's my favorite time of year. Clearly I'm nostalgic.
- darkandbrooding 14y ago
  You make a good point about the seasons. I took the passage of the seasons for granted while growing up. It was just "how the world works." A few years after moving out here I realized that my body didn't know what time of year it was. That was a disconcerting feeling, although I doubt if I could explain why.
  - bherms 14y ago
    I feel it as disconcerting as well and I think it's because it makes everything seem mundane and gives no distinction on a (may be the wrong word here) biological level that time is actually passing.
- russell 14y ago
  In California, if you want a change in the weather, you drive to it. I grew up in Maine where there were two seasons, winter and August. Oldtimers claimed there was a third, mud season. I dont miss it at all.

bherms 14y ago

I guess that's personal preference. Growing up in Indiana, we hit 100+ in the height of summer (and humid as hell) and subzero in the winter... While I don't _enjoy_ those extremes, it does really lend to a sense of time passing and makes the really nice days throughout spring and fall that much more enjoyable. I miss waking up on Xmas to a foot of snow, despite not enjoying snow, and having to huddle around a fire to warm up after being outside. I hate the cold, but I dig how it brings people together. As for the heat, you'll never appreciate a cold beer or lemonade (or both) like you will after mowing your lawn in 90+ degree weather. And those first few days of spring where it's light sweater weather in the morning and then 80 the rest of the day after having just braved a winter of snow and freezing temps? That's my favorite time of year. Clearly I'm nostalgic.

darkandbrooding 14y ago
You make a good point about the seasons. I took the passage of the seasons for granted while growing up. It was just "how the world works." A few years after moving out here I realized that my body didn't know what time of year it was. That was a disconcerting feeling, although I doubt if I could explain why.
- bherms 14y ago
  I feel it as disconcerting as well and I think it's because it makes everything seem mundane and gives no distinction on a (may be the wrong word here) biological level that time is actually passing.
russell 14y ago
In California, if you want a change in the weather, you drive to it. I grew up in Maine where there were two seasons, winter and August. Oldtimers claimed there was a third, mud season. I dont miss it at all.