Raining Again

A friend asked me if I've noticed how similar our climate here is to that of New York (him having lived there for several years). I politely responded, as is my wont, with my own question: "Are you high?"

True, the two regions have humidity and low elevation in common (both within 30 feet of sea level). Yet Arcata's climate is far more temperate, a welcome change in the summer months, when--I assure you--the oppressive mugginess of New York will NOT be missed. The winter months--while far chillier than places like southern California--felt more like late autumn to me, with brisk winds and day temperatures in the range of an unseasonably warm NYC winter day. However, I always loved the snow and find that winter simply is not winter without a heaping helping of the white stuff (best when you don't have to drive in it, naturally).

In case I haven't painted quite a vivid enough picture of life in Humboldt County, I share with you this anecdote: while waiting at a stop sign in Old Town Eureka the other day, I was overcome by a brief fit of sneezing. Looking up, I noticed the pedestrian who'd been unhurriedly crossing the street in front of me had made his way over to the driver's side of my car, leaned in close to me, smiled and kindly blessed me.

After I graciously thanked the gentleman, he returned to the crosswalk and proceeded on his way, wishing me good health and a lovely afternoon.

As I've always said, it's the little things that make life sweet.

Posted by ayelet at May 27, 2004 09:45 AM