What is everyday life like with rain? (apartments, house)

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

When I was at Oregon State, all the students used umbrellas. If you lost one it wasn't a big deal, just go to Lost and Found and say, "I lost my umbrella. It's black." Two minutes later you would have an umbrella again.

I love that!

I like umbrellas with pretty pictures. I have one with cardinals (the birds not the Priests) and one with Marilyn Monroe. Another solid purple. I have a very old large one with Kliban Kitties which unfortunately needs repair but I don't know of any umbrella repair shops so I just keep it for sentimental sake.

I used to have one of those that kind of wrapped around you that was clear plastic. I loved that one because you could see through it and it protected you down to your waste almost.

I have all sorts of umbrellas. I guess I am an umbrella junkie.

[mateo384]

every year you go thru an umbrella. They always rust or break. So each year you get to buy a fancy, new one! That being said, you get used to being wet. Just make sure your shoes don't have holes in them (like some of mine do because they are old). Your socks and feet will be wet all the time.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by mateo384

every year you go thru an umbrella. They always rust or break. So each year you get to buy a fancy, new one! That being said, you get used to being wet. Just make sure your shoes don't have holes in them (like some of mine do because they are old). Your socks and feet will be wet all the time.

That's how you discover your shoes have holes in them.

[asubram3]

Originally Posted by Minervah

The wind is a problem but there are the kind of umbrellas that are multi-layered that are supposed to work well on windy days. I have never tried one so I can't say whether or not they do. If you find they are an inconvenience and many do, by all means do not use them. But if you like them don't avoid using them just because someone told you it isn't "cool" or you won't "fit in." In other words, don't be one of the typical Portland Sheeple.

Carrying an umbrella will not get you arrested. I promise. The cops have better things to do.

Originally Posted by mateo384

every year you go thru an umbrella. They always rust or break. So each year you get to buy a fancy, new one! That being said, you get used to being wet. Just make sure your shoes don't have holes in them (like some of mine do because they are old). Your socks and feet will be wet all the time.

I know! Even here in Dallas wind is a big problem during rain (of course we tend to have drenching rain with thunder). My umbrellas tend to turn inside out and once I almost got lifted by a gust of wind when I wouldn't let my umbrella go.

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by mateo384

every year you go thru an umbrella. They always rust or break. So each year you get to buy a fancy, new one! That being said, you get used to being wet. Just make sure your shoes don't have holes in them (like some of mine do because they are old). Your socks and feet will be wet all the time.

I don't remember ever having had an umbrella rust. And I have several that are a lot of years old.

I wear Birkenstock sandals year-round, and rarely get wet enough that it's noticeable. I may not spend as much time outdoors as you, but still ... it's not a given.

[mateo384]

every umbrella i've ever had has rusted and eventually broke. The rods are made of metal, at least the ones I bought were. So every year i end up buying a new one. If you don't spend as much time outdoors as someone who uses mass transit, then yes, your umbrella is not being used enough to rust or break.

[Minervah]

I use mass transit and I use them all the time. I have never had one rust but I have had them eventually break. What I do now is alternate between a couple of them so they last longer. But my next one will be one of those so-called wind resistant ones to see if they really do.

[UrbanAdventurer]

Not gonna lie, the rain does get a little tiresome sometimes. Seems like every time I want to walk the 6-7 blocks to the gym from my apartment on the weekend I show up drenched. The umbrellas though become a hassle to store and carry around. I have a golf sized umbrella that rarely every leaves the house. Most PNW'ers wouldn't be caught dead carrying a novelty sized umbrella around anyway. Rubber boots and water-resistant jackets with hoods are most popular options.

[BornJuju]

Great information! Thanks! If I head out this way looks like I need to make some severe clothing investments. :P

What about every day life with dogs? Does your home smell like wet dog a lot? Does it make it harder/messier to take them with you for outdoors activities? Etc.

[Squidlo]

Originally Posted by BornJuju

Great information! Thanks! If I head out this way looks like I need to make some severe clothing investments. :P

What about every day life with dogs? Does your home smell like wet dog a lot? Does it make it harder/messier to take them with you for outdoors activities? Etc.

Train the dogs to wait at the door to be toweled off. My dog waits patiently for me to wipe each foot even lifting it for me. Keeping the dog bathed will avoid any real wet dog smell. They sell doggy smell good stuff you can use while brushing em out.