Growing up in a warm climate I actually looked forward to the winters.
It was a few months where we could pull out our new boots and cosy jackets to wear. It was a respite from the hot summers and it did not last that long. Fast forward many years and I now live in a cold climate where I spend more than half of my year covered up! Yes, as you can imagine, I now look forward to the summers more and more each year. But is it me or do the summers seem to get shorter or am I just getting older?
Even though our winters are very long and very cold, they are actually warmer than ever thanks to global warming. In fact according to https://climateatlas.ca/climate-change-basics, “Weather records from across Canada show that every year since 1998—that’s 20 years ago now—has been warmer than the 20th century average.” We still experience cold winters but what used to be a wonderful 4 months of summer has really changed to about 2 great hot months. No wonder our summers seem to be getting shorter.
People here understand and know that they have to make the most of the summer. Gardens are spectacular when you drive around the city. The minute the snow has melted gardeners are out and about preparing the gardens. This summer more than ever my husband has lovingly been watering flowers . (Me, I have a black thumb so I am pretty useless in the garden.)
Rather than thinking about how short the summer is, what can we do to make the most of it?
- Take advantage of every festival free and paying that your city offers
- Be outside as much as possible. This summer, I have had no car and I have been walking everywhere. So much less stress than driving and you are outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
- Entertain at home, go out with friends, be sociable.
- Pick up a new sport or an old one you have not done in years, next year it is tennis for me!
- If a staycation is on the books instead of an out of country/city vacation , then act like a tourist in your home city. I am sure there are many undiscovered sights. Take a hop on, hop off bus, it is a great way to see a city.
- Be in the moment, relax and enjoy!