LOL, Ken!

No kidding. Today, while I was defending Seattle's weather rep, it was nice and sunny outside of my office, but by the time I left for home, it was sprinkling. That's the thanks that I get. Anyway, when I got in my door 40 minutes later, the sun decided to come back out. Evil.

So Ken
Do you love or hate Seattle? You rant about the weather stating statistics (which are interperated by those who take them and make them say what they want), but then say that Seattle is the most beautiful city in the US.

I was born at Tacoma General Hospital and have lived in Tacoma, Federal Way and now in Port Orchard, so I am as native as they get. I love this place and would hate to leave.

I own an umbrella, but never use it, even if it's pouring. There is a reason why Gortex and Helly Hanson are popular here. Rain doesn't stop people from enjoying outdoor activities. I go camping in the rain. If you're prepared to get wet, then you don't have a problem.

TheLadyJess -

That's not an easy question for me to answer. I guess I'd have to say "a little of each". I've been here for 30 years now, but prior to that spent my first 18 years moving from place to place (my dad was in the Air Force). I spent 6 years in Europe, and stateside lived in Michigan, Colorado, Maryland, North Dakota, and New York.

Of all the places I've lived (and most of the places I've visited), the Pacfic Northwest is by far the most beautiful (even nicer than Colorado - which is saying a lot), and offers the most variety of scenery and climate (especially between east and west of the mountains). In a lot of ways it's a wonderful place.

Having said that, folks have to understand that this is NOT a place for everyone - especially if you are seeking a warm climate (mild - yes, warm - no). Oh, July - September are USUALLY wonderful, but ocassionally our summers can be a little cool, and May and June (usually very nice months elsewhere) are usually pretty chilly as compared to most of the country, with far more grey, overcast days than I like. I garden for a hobby, and April - May are by far the prettiest months around here in regards to the plants, but not in regards to weather.

Kostromo mentions that Seattle is stubborn about changing seasons, and I have to agree - although the way that I would word it is to perhaps say that "Seattle seems to have very long and drawn out spring and fall weather, and fairly short bursts of true winter and summer weather". I don't like the cold (two winters in North Dakota can do that to you), and I Do appreciate the fact that the winters are pretty darned easy here - but I would like it to dry-out/warm-up a little earlier so I could see the tulips in the Skagit Valley without having to hunch down against the cold wind and rain.

I don't necessarily want to steer people clear of here, but they have understand what they are getting, otherwise the often seemingly endless grey skies (and relatively cool temperatures) will get them down. Folks have to understand - the climate here is unique, and not for everyone. If you come here in August you are likely to think "Wow, what a beautiful place!", If you come here in June, you may not even see the mountains.

So, yes, I do love it here... but when I retire (admittedly, quite a few years from now), I will head for a sunnier, warmer location.

Ken

PS - I guess it's only fair to admit that I've been spending my vacations lately on the lovely islands of the South Pacific (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rarotonga etc) - a fact that is bound to color anyones' opinion of where they live.

Ken