“Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.”
That’s an old quote that was traditionally credited to Mark Twain, but was more likely said by his friend and collaborator Charles Dudley Warner. Regardless of who said it first, it’s a nice little quip that sums up how we can obsess over the weather. As winter wraps up here in the Northern Hemisphere, weather is on many people’s mind. Winter is my favorite season, and I usually dread the coming of summer.
The first reason is an obvious one – the heat. I never gave much thought to the true origin of my love of winter until someone asked me the other day, “were you born in winter?” “Actually, yes,” I replied. “My birthday was just a couple of weeks ago.” That’s a pretty good theory, although I think life experience is a factor as well. When I moved to North Carolina for college at age 18, I functioned much better in summer than I do now. It took nearly a triple-digit reading on the thermometer before I would begin to perspire. But all or part of 31 Carolina summers have cured me of that. I’m sure global warming is a factor in the ever-increasing brutality of the summers here. (I do believe global warming is real, although I differ from its strongest advocates on the root causes, but that’s another topic for another day.) I was out running errands yesterday and worked up a pretty good sweat and it was only 65 degrees. So that has changed a lot. Of course I always tell my summer-loving friends, “when you’re cold, you can throw on another layer. When you’re hot, you can only remove so much without breaking the law – and in my case, violating a few health codes.” 😊
Also, there is the thirst factor – once there is no longer a physical possibility of a snowfall, which is usually about this time every year, I get and stay thirsty until October. Part of my long-term maintenance since my bariatric surgery is that I’m supposed to drink at least 64 ounces of liquid each day (water of course is preferred, but Crystal Light, or the Walmart version thereof, is only 40 calories for 64 ounces and gets the job done). During the spring and summer months, that is an easy goal to reach because I’m so dadgum thirsty all the time. In case you were wondering, this is NOT fun.
Then there is the pollen. This is thought of a strictly a spring phenomenon – usually by the time the equinox occurs, flowers are blooming and pollen is everywhere, and it’s expected to be done before the kids get out of school for the summer. Those that have allergies are downright miserable when this is in full swing. Sneezes, sniffles, and bad tempers are everywhere. EVERYBODY drives a green car, no matter what color it was painted. And then it is worsened by the fact that the stuff still can be found hanging around into June! I personally don’t have allergies, but my wife does. The misery this inflicts, on top of all her other ailments and conditions, seems downright cruel.
I realize I’m different, and I understand why many people like summer better. People don’t like to be cooped up inside, outdoor activities can be lots of fun, it’s much easier to travel and have great adventures. And as much grief as I give people in the winter with my “it’s not that cold” taunts, I’m due to have some taunts sent my way as I nearly sweat to death once the temperature goes above 80. But it’s all good. Just know that it’s not an act – I really am already counting the days until it gets nice and chilly again.
Enjoy the new season!
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