Yes. Every season to the absolute extreme. We don't just have winters; each winter is the "coldest winter on record". And winter usually cuts into the better part of Spring, which then typically leads us into many days/weeks of unbearably humid Summertime conditions. Not just hot, but muggy, zero-oxygen sauna heat. In all, these wonderful seasons leave us with probably, on average, 4 weeks each year of moderately comfortable weather.
Realistically (and I don't think I'm telling any 'outsider' something they don't already know), snowy winter weather dominates Minnesota's climate region. That's obviously why it's residents pride themselves on "embracing the warm weather". Because we here have to pride ourselves on EVERYTHING. Staying indoors 8-9 months out of the year and finally setting foot on green grass is the principal objective of living in such a harsh tundra of iced over misery. Things people in warmer sections of the country (or world) take for granted, like barbecuing, bike riding, boating, gardening, picnics, reasonably safe driving conditions, etc., are enjoyed to their fullest in Minnesota because, before we know it, it will be snatched away and locals won't be able to walk out their front doors without having to conceal every bit of exposed skin at the risk of it turning black from unforgiving sub-zero wind chills.
Seasons are inconvenient and nothing to appreciate or cherish. People in the south, southwest and west coast don't care that it doesn't snow during Christmas and neither would Minnesotans once they realized they can drive to work without having to chisel 2-inches of ice from their windshield on a blustery, dark winter morning. That's not fun or endearing. Just because you live here and tolerate unlivable weather doesn't make you special. Your cognitive dissonance doesn't make you superior to anyone who chooses to live in a consistently warmer place. Bragging about it just makes you look needy for some kind of elitist form of notoriety.
-Flotsam
No comments:
Post a Comment