Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Heidi.

Yes, Rich Day, it is interesting. I’d get so sick of snow if we had months of it. Wonder is great, but can only last so long without some other form of stimulus - you can only build so many snowmen! You have to seek out something to make the ordinary extraordinary.

But likewise I couldn’t live somewhere that was lovely and sunny all day every day. Ania and I discussed that very subject whilst in California last summer. It would drive us nuts. As much as we moan about rain and lousy weather, we actually do thrive on it because it provides a much needed contrast.

Of course, we’re all different, so it’s great that you’ve found what works for you. I dare say many people will know just where you’re coming from - good weather can keep bills down, provide better health, make for safer travel… It all adds up and makes perfect sense as one gets older.

And yes - there’s nothing like an invigorating walk on a cold day in glorious sunshine!

Thanks for adding to the conversation, Rich Day.
Steve

However, eventually, it got so that we didn’t appreciate them so much as we aged. The snow storms lost their power to excite us.

We moved south to North Carolina. For about the first year, we just couldn’t get over how clear and sunny it is here. Every morning, almost, when we wake up, the sun will be shining in the house. In MI, we would get a sunny day in the winter. . . yes, one sunny day.

Here in NC, we will get perhaps two overcast days during the winter. Every other day, even if it is cold, it is sunny and the sun feels super when you walk in the morning.

I think you just have to understand that the only thing that makes ordinary ordinary is our perspective.

It’s funny how some people practice this, some get it and will do something, others just don’t get it, won’t do anything, but will go on complaining about their grey existence.

It’s sad - things could be so different, so easily.

This post details the first of three trips out into the snow, the last being on Saturday when we went onto the moors - a little deeper there! At home there was around 3-4 inches, there it was often knee deep. It made the going tough at times, but it was such a joy to experience the sheer beauty of wild lands in wild weather. Especially as parts of our walk was where no one else had been so it was lovely fresh virgin snow (maybe no one else will ever see what we saw - how special is that!?).

Sadly, there’s little but ice and slush left now. Still, I’m sure the weekend will bring other wonders for us to marvel at!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts of your own experiences, Sue.
Steve

We both fill our holidays abroad with so many fantastic sights; the days seem to last and last. Every day is filled to the max.
We were overseas two years ago but with all of our memories of all the things that we saw and did and all of the people we met along the way, the trip seems like it took place only yesterday.

Thank you for sharing, Steve.
Sue

And, in case anyone is wondering, yes, the memory process described is based on scientific fact not mumbo-jumbo, so there’s no reason such a mindshift won’t work for everyone.

Thanks for commenting.

Steve

http://www.myspace.com/warrenjeffreymotter

Glad to hear you’re still finding inspiration and wonder, River.

You’re welcome, Joycey. I’m pleased my post hit the right note for you. It’s amazing how simple it is to fill our years with memorable moments instead of endless grey months. I hope you manage it. After all, what’s life for if not for fun?

Thanks for commenting.
Steve