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I would guess northern WI in winter sometimes sees the light show called Aurora Borealis? I’d put on any clothing needed to get out and see that!
One of the things we did recently was go to Newport State Park on a clear night that was not quite "new moon". The park has received a "Dark Skies" designation, and I have heard that occasionally, the Aurora Borealis is visible there, although we didn't see it when we went. Amazing display of stars, however, but VERY cold!!
But speaking of cold, a lot of people think that winter here is always below 10 degrees or so. Actually, the average daily high this winter has been "only" about 26 degrees.
You know, I don't really understand why anyone lives year round in the northern parts of the Midwest. You could offer me 160 acres of land for free if I would live there year round and I wouldn't be interested.
That said, the book "Wintering" by Catherine May might be worth reading in this vein.
Even here in eastern WA, I do value some "down time" in winter. Just staying home and burning the wood stove.
Thank you M3.....I'd not heard of this book but living in the frozen NE (VT) I am actually going to get it.
When I was working, winter was not that big a deal; obviously, I was busy 8 hrs a day. But now that I'm retired, I'm really not happy about it. LOL. Our winter lasts from, call it Nov/Dec to May (april varies).
It has often occurred to me though that we are animals and winter is the season of hibernation. So naps, a slowing of the pace, nesting .... all seem quite natural during this season. But, if like me you get a little down, from the lack of light and being cooped up, you need a plan....I have a 'light,' I have a list of things I could do (haha), I have books, I have a craft or two I could engage in.....
This year I'm working on planning one or two outings per month, to keep my energy going (this month, a massage and a spa day).
Summer in VT is glorious, so I have no real complaints there.
Last edited by Riley.; 03-05-2022 at 06:00 AM..
Reason: adding
So-so reviews of "Wintering." I have a little book called the Scandinavian Guide to Happiness" that I recently purchased, and it discusses Hygge, Lagom and other Nordic 'art of happiness.' I do alot of these things already...
It's not *quite* that bad, I'm about 40 miles SW of Submariner. It can get down to -25 and stay there for a while, but if you have the right clothing and footgear it can be handled. I got snowed in for a couple of months or so this year but with snowshoes and a hunting sled I could hike out to the road to get packages that were delivered, pantry was already well stocked so that wasn't an issue, could have gone for a couple more months, though the Mrs. would have had to start using the shelf-stable back-up milk in her coffee (and there is canned milk if that runs out, and powdered milk if the canned runs out).
Snowshoes are good exercise too, but I haven't done much this Winter since my lungs are still screwed from Covid, the half-mile out to the road and back is about all I can handle.
Sometimes we get snow before the end of September, and sometimes we are still getting snow at the end of April, but it doesn't always go that way...but we do joke a little bit about only having three seasons- 'Winter', 'Mud Season', and 'Preparing For Winter'. And there's enough to do in Summer that being able to slow down and relax by the fire a little in Winter can be a good thing.
I live in Aridzona, and hibernate in the summer. Stay in the air conditioned house, car, restaurant, store, and only go outside before 9 am or after dark.
While I don't think I've ever actually hibernated, I have always been very affected by light levels....in the wintertime I'm pretty much ready for bed around 6 p.m.! Sadly, life has never allowed me to actually go to bed that early.
We had a couple of big snowstorms here this winter, which kept me housebound for several days and I found I really enjoyed the excuse to bundle up with some hot chocolate or tea and watch old movies all day. I don't think I would want to do that for an entire season, though! Any time the sun is shining and the temp is above 20 degrees or so, I try to get out for a walk in the fresh air...but most days have to settle for exercising at the Y. Not sure if I answered your question!
I live in Aridzona, and hibernate in the summer. Stay in the air conditioned house, car, restaurant, store, and only go outside before 9 am or after dark.
That’s my wife’s family. They all upped and moved to the land of eternal sunshine and summer…Florida.
They stay inside as much as possible from April to October.
The AC goes down and it’s a humanitarian crisis on the biblical level.
But hey, at least they don’t need to shovel any snow.
Depending on your own personal cold tolerance, most of the US “winter” like real winter, is December to March.
Here in the NE, it can vary by year, but on average, for me personally, winter really kicks in around the first week of January and lasts until the end of February maybe first week of March. I have better than average cold tolerance though. I do not own pants. I wear shorts and a t-shirt shirt nearly all year long. If it’s really cold, like low 20’s or below, I’ll put on a hoodie or flannel. I believe the key is that I never bundle up, and I spend a lot of time outdoors, so I think my body adjusts and adapts to the cold. I also believe that has boosted my immune system as I never get sick. The last time I had a cold I was still wearing long pants and jackets in the winter.
And yes, everyone thinks I’m batcrap crazy.
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