Adjusting to the Cold Weather in the U.S.

Wow, @Loretta, your journey through all those different climates sounds intense! Thank you for sharing the tips about clothing and humidifiers. I think that will really help us. Do you have a favorite season in Washington?

@noni1959 I haven’t experienced spring here yet. I think it was already autumn/fall when my mom and I arrived in the US.

@annierose Sometimes, this area seems like one complete season with all the rain, but I think late spring is my favorite. Wild flowers are blooming everywhere, the ocean is calming down some, still rains but less, and the temperatures are more mild.

Yes, @Marie, we just moved last October, so it’s all still very new for us. We’re learning about layering clothes, blankets, and heaters slowly. Thank you for sharing your experience. Do you have a favorite trick for staying warm during the harsh winters?

@MarieCoyle Thank you for sharing. It is the first time I have heard of electric blanket. It might be expensive, I guess.

@annierose Layering is important to me, and it helps immensely. If you or your mom suffer from cold feet, get some fuzzy warm slippers and wear heavy socks. I have Minnetonka moccasins that have a great thick lining and can be worn outside, they look like loafters....or get some boots with a warm lining in them. I know some people do not like them, but I really love the electric blanket on my bed, and I have a small electric throw I use in my living room, too. I got them several Christmases ago, they really help. If you use your oven, when you turn it off, open the oven door all the way--don't waste the heat you generated, let it out to help warm the room. If your windows are drafty, take some precautions to get them sealed better, or use heavy lined curtains--they really do help. I am sure it's all new to you and your mom...I hope you can soon get used to it all and enjoy it here.

@annierose I’ve visited colder states in the winter, but not for very long. We had a blizzard here about ten years ago, so it can get very cold; it just doesn’t often.

@AmbiePam I bet it’s a relief most winters aren’t that extreme. Do you enjoy the occasional snow, or are you happy sticking to the milder weather?

Yes, @Amber, you’re right! I didn’t realize how big the climate differences could be across the U.S. It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but I guess we’ll just have to layer up and survive the winter. I hope we get used to it gradually! Do you ever visit colder states, or do you mostly stay where it’s warmer?

Thank you, @Stacey! Yes, I’m slowly realizing that even within the U.S., each area has its own “personality” when it comes to weather. It’s good to hear from someone who understands that.

@annierose I remember going to the state of Missouri back in 1981, and while I don't think I noticed it as much (I was 10 years old, maybe I noticed, maybe I didn't), it was super humid--nothing like we'd ever experienced before. My mother said that Dad warned her about the humidity before we left, and she said, "Oh, I've been in humidity before." and my father said, "Not humidity like this, you haven't."

@xstitcher That's funny! It is just like what happened with my mom. She thought she could handle the cold but when she got here, it was a whole different story. I guess some experiences you just really have to feel for yourself.

Thanks @Lenore! I hope we can gradually get used to it. How do you cope with the long winters in Washington?

@annierose It's not so bitterly cold in this part of Washington. My husband was quite ill and lost weight. Now he is cold when I am warm enough wearing a wool sweater. It is much rainier in my corner but I love all the green.

@sallypup I can totally see why all that green would make the rainy days feel worth it. It must be so peaceful there.

We’re still trying to get used to it. I didn’t expect the temperature to stay low even inside the house. Hopefully with more time and more layers we’ll adjust better.

Hahaha! I think we are the same. I love it more inside the house than outside when it is freezing.