Here is today's front page. Last month was the coldest December on record in New Zealand in 60 years. This past December in Wellington was the coldest since records began more than 70 years ago. Yesterday's temperature struggled to reach 57 degrees.
I can't help but feel a sense of deja vu...When we first arrived in Vancouver in October 2004, we were bombarded with tales of how we "just missed the best, warmest Vancouver summer ever". That winter was the wettest, coldest on record, followed by the darkest, most craptastic "summer" imaginable. The following winter (which lasts about 9 months of the year in Vancouver) sent me to the doc for anti-depressants and I came this close to buying one of those $250.00 "SAD" lights for seasonal affective disorder. You know, the lights that are all the rage in Siberia. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way saying that the weather here compares to the "dark days" spent in Vancouver, I'm just making an observation that we've run into some unlucky weather the past 2 countries we've lived in.
I love New Zealand and feel fortunate to be living here, but this chilly weather sure makes me miss the sunny weather in my hometown, Southern California. I'd spend each and every day of the long, hot summer on the sand, usually 2nd Street in Hermosa Beach. Watching the surfers, eating pizza & a Dr. Pepper from Mickey's Deli, followed by a game of beach volleyball. You'd get so hot you'd have to jump into the beach shower just to keep from passing out. Refreshed, we were off for a roller-skate (not roller-blading honey, I'm pushing 40) on The Strand to Manhattan Beach and back. Time to jump into the sparkling cool ocean, body-surf, then try to make it back to my little oasis, my towel on the sand, without burning my feet on the way. Made it. The reward was naptime in the sweet, warm embrace of the sun, the familiar scent of Bain de Soleil wafting by in the gentle Southern California breeze.
10 comments:
I wish I could shake out my towel onto the sand right now, and warm my soul....xooxlp
Ah, sun...what is that?
i am sorry you guys! laurel is in nashville and robin is on vancouver island, both of which are very cold right now, and here i am complaining about our not-so-great summer.
here's to keeping warm with your loved ones, hot cocoa and marshmallows or better yet, a hot-buttered rum!
lisa
You have every right to comment and use the F word!!! You are supposed to be experiencing a double summer!!
Oh Califorinia...... I'm trying to talk Michael into moving us back! My argument is this:
California weather
the bay area discovery museum
target
mexican food
target
sushi
target
california weather
target!
think it'll work?
here-here. i am so right there with you vashti! california sounds good to me! i would just add 1)old navy, 2)long days at the beach and 3)farmer's markets to your argument for returning there. they have farmer's markets here, but california farmer's markets rule!
xoxox
lisa
Let's not forget about the ever desireable Joe the Traitor, and his fine goods..lol.... God, I miss Trader Joe's!!! That tiramisu ice-cream is to die for!! Thanks Lisa for giving me my first spoonful....Now, I'm going to cry.. hahahah. LP
holy-moly! how could we have forotten about the sacred trader joe's?!? laurel- you are so right. they don't have one in canada either, so it has been a long time since i've had the pleasure of shopping there. new zealand is in need of a place like that where you can find yummy and healthy foods for cheap.
so, our plan is complete. we will start a private commune of moms, dads and kids in a remote sunny cali locale which strangely yet conveniently features target, old navy, trader joe's, lots of mexican food & sushi. done. i can't wait!
My God, I could probably even talk Ken into moving back to SF if that happened.
No need to apologize for weather-related grief. I am totally right there with you, just on the other side of the planet:)
Since we're north of 49 in a relatively permanent sort of fashion, I think I'm going to be forced to get some of that photo wallpaper of the GG Bridge for the bedroom and a UV light. Then I can live in a lovely California pretend world and survive sun deprivation.
Seems you all have forgotton about 1) traffic 2) June Gloom and 3) the Guvenator. :)
Just kidding, Southern Cali is awesome, you all let me know if you need a care package from Trader Joe's (but no frozen tamale requests, that would be crazy!)
tis true, i was overlooking the crips, the bloods, crack-heads, overcrowding,child abductions, pollution and all that traffic on the 405...still i really miss all that chaos sometimes. the grass is always greener i guess. i am freaking lucky to 1)be a california native and 2) to be living in new zealand.
shannon, thanks for the offer to ship goodies, but the shipping would be too much. you'll just have to come and visit me sometime and bring me a super carne asada burrito in your purse.
Post a Comment