Another one of these glorious fall days today, makes you want to stay outside all day.

We lived in California before moving to New York, and many’s the
time Elizabeth complains about the poor weather here–too hot, too
cold, too humid and too dull (in the sense of the light, not the
atmosphere, at home) at times. I have pointed out to her the positives,
for example, that complaining about the weather is the subject of the
stock greeting phrases when you meet the neighbor (crossing guard,
Fedex delivery person, stranger who makes eye contact) and a little
variability ensures more than a little freshness to the topic.

Weather-complaining has been raised to an art form in those parts of
the country that have varying weather. California has earthquakes, but
snow is more predictable. Chicago and parts Midwest may actually be
further along than here; seems like one could spend tens of minutes on
today’s weather. Maybe we’re lucky we don’t speak Inuit which has over
280 words for "snow," which might prolong today’s weather discussion
into next week.  But what can you say in Los Angeles—"Hi, looks like
it won’t rain (again)?"

Having a kid also makes you more weather-aware. Rain means
cancellation of the Dylan’s tennis lesson (yes, the avid non-sportsman
has willingly agreed to tennis, maybe the trip to the US Open worked.)
Snow might mean no school (hooray!) And for one like myself who can’t
stand real heat in spite of growing up in a climate that never went
below 75F, the dog days of summer result in being in house-arrest.

Can’t wait for the next season!