Fall is Finally Here!

 

Moving to a new climate has been interesting. After living in the Pacific Northwest my whole life I knew the weather cycle well. Short summers, cool wet falls, cold, windy and sometimes snowy winters and cool wet springs that go on and on. Finally summer would begin early to mid July.

Many people love that PNW climate. Most who live there just accept it as normal. That's where I was. Until I realized how much the weather affected me. Eight to 9 months of cloudy days and 75 to 100 inches of rain each year took it's toll on us.

Craving sun and warmth was a thing for both of us. You know how it goes, you wish for something so much and finally get it and then complain! We kept that in mind when it came to sun and warmth and a new location to retire in. Arizona is a common spot on the west for retirees. We have a daughter and her family in Arizona and know all too well how hot it gets there. We knew that would not work. We settled in Sacramento California. It's near family, has many sunny warm days each year and still has a little of that Northwest feel to it.

We haven't been here long. Long enough to experience some very hot days which we enjoyed. Honestly, up until the last few days it hasn't felt fall like at all. Back in Washington fall has already begun. There's a chill in the air that happens rather quickly as September rolls in. If you've lived there long enough you know summer is over when you feel it. But here I'm only now beginning to feel that fall chill in the evenings and early mornings.

In September the local stores were bringing in fall items. There were kitchen items, décor, pumpkins and so forth. It was the only sign that fall was approaching. At that point many days were still in the mid to upper 90's! I was actually happy. It was feeling like an endless summer.

Then last week the weather cooled, we had 2 days of rain and clouds. Suddenly fall felt right. I pulled out my long sleeve shirts and long pants. And my mind started thinking of chili, soup and stews. It's fall comfort food season.

Today the sun is out and it's about 72. Which I consider an almost perfect temp. We no longer have the air conditioner going and we don't need to bother with the heat yet either.

It's been fun to experience a new climate. I know there will probably be times of missing the snow but it will be brief. I'll think of the shoveling and plowing, the dangerous mountain roads and all the hassle that snow can bring and be happy to be right where we are at.

I hope you are enjoying this fall season my friends!

Crystal :)