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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Stats tell you part of the story


When we first moved to the Pacific Northwest, we did two things. The first was to build a sun-room. The second, to purchase a treadmill. Both are hardly used in winter months. The sun-room needs way too much heating to stay comfortable. And the treadmill, it is barely used ten years after it was purchased.

I could tell you that it rains for nine months here in the Northwest, and it can't be refuted. Yes, it rains most weeks during nine months, and the view during those rainy days is gray and wet as in this photo, but in any winter month, we take our daily walk in dry weather almost every day.

How can that be?

Storms come in from the ocean with hurricane force and by the time they reach land they drop all their energy at our doors. A two to six hours dump. Then, the skies clear, the sun re-appears and the land dries up in no time.

I can take one picture of a stormy day in the morning, and by afternoon, a different picture applies. Sometimes we walk between storms, a natural lull we take advantage of for our mile run around the block or a run to the library.

The statistics for this area will tell you that there are 77 inches of rain, on average, in the winter months. If you look at a weather map for this area at this time it will show you bands of rain and a cold front. As I'm sitting at this computer, looking out the window, the sun is shining and the temperatures are hovering around 40F.

Time for a pleasant morning walk.
Yes, we own waterproofed coats and shoes. Yes, we wear hats or hoods. In just a few weeks, around January, the camellia and the star magnolia will bloom profusely, making this season quite festive.
Happy Holidays, everyone.
I hope your weather doesn't keep you tied down too long.




17 comments:

Helen said...

Dear Rosaria, after 24 years in MN don't think anything could stop me from my appointed rounds! Not to mention the three hurricanes we lived through in FL! It is extremely cold in Bend today, close to zero early this AM. But sun is shining, skies bright blue ,,,, enjoy your day!

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

It's so interesting to see how our retirement scenarios play out in a way we couldn't have imagined and how we adjust our lives to the realities of weather, aging and the like. When you lived in Southern California, I'll bet strolling out in 40 degree weather wasn't your idea of a pleasant walk, but now it feels just fine! How great that you have adjusted so well to the different weather, actually coming to enjoy the cycles of rain and sun!

joeh said...

Even with the wet dreary weather in your first picture, I love the view...I would gladly accept a lot of rain for that view!

yaya said...

Every area has good and bad things to live with. I guess you have to pick the best fit! For now I'll try to bloom where I'm planted here in Ohio. You seem to have found your perfect fit!

rjerdee said...

I had cabin fever in Minnesota every winter for a measly 2 or 3 week stretch...what you live through, day after day of rain and gray is something I don't think I could do. Such an awesomely wild and windy coastline where you are...something like the Atlantic along the northeastern coast. It teaches you every day that you're not in charge! Nature is.

Hilary said...

I like rain.. love it, actually but I think that much of it would eventually change how I feel about it. On the other hand, the fact that you have flowers blooming through the winter months is pretty lovely.
Doesn't everyone have treadmills or stationary bikes that were acquired with good intentions but left to collect dust? Sigh!

Have a wonderful holiday season, Rosaria.

Friko said...

Hi Rosaria,

if I would let weather tie me down my dog would never get a walk. We live in a beautiful valley where for much of the year the skies are low and grey and rain falls as if it were paid for it.

But boy, when the sun comes out, it becomes paradise. It never fails to amaze me.

Rob-bear said...

Here on the Canadian prairie, we get less rain than you, but more snow than you do. It comes around the beginning of November, usually, and normally stays until April. We get temperatures of -40° (C or F), though more commonly around -20C (-4F), which we had today. Not enough to spoil my 12 block walk to the doctor and back.

Just, please, don't shrink in all that rain!

Blessings and Bear hug!

The Odd Essay said...

I'd probably put that treadmill in the sunroom... possibly getting more use out of both ;-) No... like you, I'd be outdoors no matter what.... a little rain hasn't melted me yet (darn it!)

dianefaith said...

We had 7 or 8 years of drought here, and then, two or three years ago, it started raining. During the dry years I swore that I would never again complain about too much rain. So, I'm not complaining today although we're into a week of rain. If we could get those sunshine breaks that you describe, that sure would be appreciated.

Brian Miller said...

smiles...it is good to know your area...and you know things that someone who doesnt live there never will...it takes time...and its good to keep getting out and soaking up what sun you can and not let winter settle into your soul...

Midlife Roadtripper said...

If I woke up to rain every morning, I wouldn't get out of bed. Too cozy under the covers and perfect for reading.

I admire that you utilize the dry periods to get your exercise. I guess we learn to adjust wherever we lived.

Phoenix said...

Beautiful post! I grew up in New England and I miss the summer thunderstorms so much. Rain cleanses a part of my heart.

I hope you've been well. Happy holidays to you!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosaria .. we have our fair share of weather here in England - but the seasons seemed to have changed somewhat. Thankfully we're still in the warmer part of the UK - and long may it last!

However pushing out for a good walk in winter always does us good - brings colour to our cheeks, stretches our legs and I believe I've heard that rain improves our complexion!

Enjoy those walks .. I must walk to town in a few minutes .. cheers Hilary

the walking man said...

You do know that Oregon is considered a tropical zone from there all the way up to Vancouver. That rain is what keeps it somewhat moderate temperature wise in the winter. Too bed they deforested 2/3's of the rainforest that used to be there.

Velva said...

I love the Pacific-Northwest, I can relate to rainy days. I live in Florida where wet, hot and humid can describe anytime of season...Where thunderstorms can rattle your house and your head.

Happy almost winter to you.

Velva

Vagabonde said...
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