Having lived in the semi-tropical climate of Florida for two-decades, and having grown to love the subtle change of seasons in the middle latitudes, I have have a different view of seasons than many people. Dare I say, I am an outlier on my views. Florida has four seasons, and they are not, tourist, hurricane, steam, and citrus.
Having made the choice to move farther north, I have to admit I struggle a bit with the more drastic changes of season. At this time of the year, I struggle with it being dark when I leave for the office, and dark when I return home. This was a little easier when I was earning a living in my bedroom, but still the short hours of daylight impact my mood and alertness.
I enjoy the colors of the change of seasons. There are rare areas in central Florida with deciduous hardwood trees, that display the same colors that are common in colder climates. I also enjoy the soft greens of new growth, something all climates have when you know what to look for.
Summers are summers, often too warm or humid.
Winters, for me the beauty and novelty of snow is very short lived. And I dislike the long cold periods. Florida has cold snaps, hard frosts, freezes, and even occasional snow flakes. And Florida is ill prepared for it, with homes built to stay cool, not warm easily.
Someone told me once that if the earth stopped spinning, we would most likely sink into it, so stopping the seasons is not an option. Jay has an old friend who lives in Chicago and hates winters, so he has started booking two to three months on cruise ships in warmer climates every winter. The joys of retirement, a well funded retirement.
I myself enjoy the four distinct seasons. I don't think Id enjoy my life without them. I like change and it reminds me mentally, without a calendar, what time of year it is, as Mother Nature puts on a show.
ReplyDeleteIf only winter were not so long and dark
DeleteWhen I was young I had aspirations to earn a living in my bedroom, but it never happened. I like four distinct seasons but like Florida our buildings aren't really built for the cold.
ReplyDeleteI am not really built for the cold
DeleteI remember how shocked I was when I was working in Chicago and daylight savings time ended. It was as black as midnight at 5:00PM.
ReplyDeleteYes, it will get like that soon.
DeleteTwo to three months at sea sounds blissful. Two to three months on a cruise ship with those cruising people... not so much. My last corporate job was working with large cruise lines. I cruised/shmoozed at times for work. I could have done without most of the passengers.
ReplyDeleteYup, we enjoyed NCL, we were very much on our own on that trip.
DeleteChicago winters are the worst and worsen as one ages.
ReplyDeleteI want to retire to somewhere with four seasons, including winter snow.
Take Tahoe was fun, but expensive
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