September 28, 2009
Loving the Sun Belt
photo by Jamie Peabody
I can’t believe that I made it through 30+ years living in the Rust Belt without slipping into a coma. Seriously. When you live there you just don’t realize how bad you really have it. According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), residents of Pittsburgh see sunshine on average only 45% of the year. That comes out to roughly 164 days. Most of the rust belt cities see the sun between 45% and 53% of the year.
Here in Atlanta we see the sun about 60% of the year, or 219 days. That’s 55 extra days of sunshine compared to Pittsburgh, close to two months’ worth!
I definitely feel the difference, mainly in my attitude. I’m more positive here and more energetic. I rarely experience long weeks where I feel like a hermit living in a cave. (The torrential rains and heavy flooding we just experienced are unusual.)
Whenever I travel north now my eyes see things they never noticed before. Like rust on bridges, lumpy patches of asphalt on streets, brown sensible shoes on the feet of most women. I get moody. I want to eat sausage and put on plaid.
I’m relieved when I return to my new-found home and need to squint for several minutes while my eyes readjust to the bright blue sky. I’m delighted to see colorful blooming flowers even in January. My car glides along pristine streets, relaxing my cares away. I wear flip-flops year round.
Yes my northern friends, a little extra sun is worth the move.
And if I ever get into a Chicago-bluesy funk, I’ll start planning for my next move — 277 days of sun in Key West!
Chattahoochee River, aka "The Hooch"
