Hear that tapping on the window? No, it's not Jack Frost-at least not for most of us in Magnolia and the Seattle area-but winter is just around the next bend in the calendar.
As much as we try to ignore our Northwest winters, it will make its presence felt despite our refusal to release our grip on summer. The days will become shorter, the nights nippier and the clouds thicker over the next weeks. But there are some things we can do to both prepare for winter and to beat those winter blahs.
Senior citizens need to consider that there may be slippery sidewalks as the rains begin, and even the occasional morning frost. Be sure you wear shoes with soles that grip, and if we get down near that freezing mark, try to find a handrail or a friend to keep you upright. It isn't necessary to be fearful, just careful.
Cold and dry air, the flu season and, of course, colder weather all pose more of a risk for those of us who are a little long in the tooth. Be sure you have your flu shot, dress warmly and eat a nutritional diet to keep your body warm and resistant to colds.
And folks of all ages can improve the chances of getting through the season free of colds and flu by washing their hands frequently-especially if you've been out shopping and in public areas where others with an infection may have preceded you.
All of us need to make sure our heating systems are in good working order and that we've checked our windows for cracked and worn sealants, re-caulking as needed.
It's not all bad news, however. If you're a skier, you can spend a couple of evenings sorting through your gear, buying new clothing and waxing those skis in preparation for what hopefully will be a long and enjoyable season.
Winter in the Northwest means short, gray days and long, chilly nights. Some of us are fortunate; the gray days and dearth of sunshine don't seem to bother us. Others, however, go into a funk that can last for months.
There are ways to make the days enjoyable and go a bit faster. Get together with friends who share your dislike of winter-you know, the ones who aren't at the slopes. If you are a Northwest native, and live here until you're 80, you will spend an estimated 26 years surviving the winters. That's a long time to be miserable, so look for ways to brighten your days.
Plan some fun meals around the wonderful squashes and winter vegetables, again with friends and good wine. Don't suffer alone.
If you can, find some sun. You may not be able to go to Palm Springs, but you can bundle up and head to the mountains when the forecast is for clear days. Bundled against the cold, you'll be surprised how good the sun feels, and you'll get a dose of spirit-lifting vitamin D, if only on your face.
One of the keys is to get out of the house now and then. Find activities that you enjoy and that you can enjoy with family and friends. Go to a movie, to the museum, take in a play or go out to dinner. If your spouse, lover or friends like to dance, head for a club where you can while away a few hours immersed in music and dancing.
You may not become a fan of our winters, but you may just find that the spring and summer will seem to get here a little faster when you fill your time with people and activities you enjoy.
Mike Davis is a freelance writer and longtime resident of Magnolia. He can be reached at mageditor@nwlink.com.[[In-content Ad]]
