When we moved here in July every day got hotter and hotter and of course, we did not have air conditioning. We spent part of each day in the pool but by the time we walked home and up 3 flights of stairs we were - HOT!!! We didn't get much empathy when we mentioned it and when we wished out loud for rain and cooler temperatures. In fact, people chuckled and even rolled their eyes. Now we understand - when the heat is gone - here comes the cold - there are seasons in Oregon - serious seasons - well at least compared to Southern California!!!
This week the lows have been in the 30s (one night was 29) and you wake up with frost on the roof tops and able to see your breath - even in your bedroom!!! But is has been an unusually dry month with less than an inch of rain - when there is normally 6-7. It looks like the drought has followed us to Oregon? We even had several days with highs of 60 instead of the expected 40-50 range.
Whatever happens - IT IS BEAUTIFUL! The trees have shed their leaves in our complex - other types of trees in other areas are on different schedules. Our tree squirrel has moved from the tree to ground and the sky is filled with honking geese flying south in formation! We have picked up some additional clothing to layer for warmth and figured out our heating system and the fireplace. Joe walked a block to 7/11 to pick up a lottery ticket by a marsh that has turned into a pond and spotted a muskrat feeding on duck grass. We had to Google it - none of us had ever seen a muskrat!
We understand snow and ice and all that all that accompanies winter is ahead. We have been watching the updates of snow plow maintenance and snow tire regulations on TV so it looks like the preparations are under control. What is really interesting - when the weather man tells you it is going to rain on Wednesday at 11:00 or there will be wind gusts of 45 mph at midnight - IT REALLY HAPPENS!!!
We are learning, adjusting and thoroughly enjoying all the new experiences our seasonal weather provides - as we RUNAWAY!
Gabi
