It’s been a while since the lovely Susan and I went on a little frolic excursion, but now that it’s been raining an awful lot lately, I was reminded of this one. We explored Lake Murray only to discover flocks of birds—one of whom was clearly the king of the pack. He chased us all around that parking lot! This is what winter looks like in San Diego, at it’s most extreme, really.
The thing about rain, or rather, about winter—I have always struggled at this time of year. Growing up, it was exceedingly difficult not to feel morose all the time once winter kicked in. Seasonal affective issues were a definite affliction. Frankly, I am surprised that isn’t the case for everyone. Few I’ve met in the States can appreciate how intense winter can be, as winters here are shorter and milder. Which brings me to my point—since I have moved to California, much has changed for me: I don’t get those same feelings I did years ago, when I just couldn’t seem to bring myself to get out of the house, let alone out of bed. BUT (and all you Canadians are going to scoff at this) I do still feel my mood is a little affected by the weather. I think we adapt very quickly to our environments, and so, when it rains here, even though it is infrequent—I do feel myself react to it. The difference now is that I can see the value—I even celebrate these moods. Now, I try to harness them, and soak in some contemplative emotions, while still embracing this weather. it’s easier to manage when you know it’s not essentially a blizzard that lasts six months. I started to see dreary as mysterious and wet as rich.
So, here we are, chasing these birds in the pouring rain. And it was great. I know many of you are probably still seeing quite a few blizzards awaiting you in 2012, so I’m wondering what you do to make the most of this weather that can be so draining? What’s your plan to combat winter?
Tags: Birds, Lake Murray, Rain, san diego, Weather
I wish I had something eloquent to say about combatting winter drab-ness, but I haven’t yet figured it out for myself. Instead I will comment here that these photos, while taken on a gray rainy day, certainly make me happy in a way winter typically doesn’t. The last several really do it. I love them.
I am happy they made you happy. Hopefully you will discover something else that limits the drabness this winter, right?
Winter in California is different from the one we have in Norway. The weather you describe, is how we normally experince late fall. For me winter is snow and cold weather (between -5C and -25C in extreme cases). Last year the snow came early; it was late Ocober. This year the snow came a week ago, which was very late. It’s all gone now, sadly. Left is wet and windy weather, which I hate. Bring me lots of snow and cold weather, I don’t mind that. But rain and wind in combination sucks big time!
My plan to combat winter is to put on a cute hat, wrap myself in a big colorful scarf and zip up my warm jacket. Since I don’t own a car, I will embrace the snow that comes and think about how much brigher it gets when the snow is here. And when the temp sink even futher, I will tell myself that at least it’s not rainy and windy
If it’s too cold to be outside, there is lots of things you can do inside a warm apartment/house: drink hot cocoa, play scrabble, watch your fave movie, read a good book, bake some yummy cake or just relax on the couch while listening to some good music.
Heh. Sorry for the lengthy comment. Apparently I had a lot on my mind…
Norway sounds strikingly similar to Montreal, actually. Funny, that, I would have thought it would be SO much colder. In any case, you do remind me of all the wonderful coziness of winter!
Oh, and I LOVE lengthy comments. Thank you for sharing!
Now when I see your respond, I think I wasn’t nuanced enugh in what I said. There are parts of Norway (way up north) that have winters where -25C is the normal. But here in Oslo, we don’t such cold days often.
I’m not surprised you would think it would be much colder here; a lot of people think the same. You know, there are people beliving we have icebears in the street
When I think about it, the winters used to be much colder and snowier when I was young, than it is now.
Well… enough ranting about the weather.
I’m happy to hear you love lenghty comments
Ha, I feel you. I just assumed that being that Montreal is further South, it would be warmer than standard Norwegian temperatures. Being from Canada, everyone in the States thinks we live in igloos and knows nothing about how it really is. Check this out, it’s a joke program by a Canadian comedian, he interviews Americans and tells them blatant ridiculous lies about Canada, and they totally believe it. It’s hilarious! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhTZ_tgMUdo
I want to be chased by ducks!! I also want Susan’s fabulous red, high-collared jacket…
My tip on How to Avoid Winter? Move to Southern California! Last winter was particularly brutal–we New Yorkers got all of Canada’s snow storms. I heard that (Eastern, at least?) Canada enjoyed quite a mild winter–is that true? After seeing my Brooklyn neighbourhood transformed into Lapland, I’d believe it.
Anyway, 7 weeks later, we began our 2-week drive across the U.S., dog and all. Driving into Spring somewhere in Tennessee was one of the happiest things that happened to me this year.
Finally, speaking as a Brit who has had to learn to deal with rain: there’s nothing cosier than curling up with a good book and a pot of tea when it’s pouring outside. Sheepskin slippers optional, but highly recommended.
My husband is Scottish, so your tea methodology is well-worn in my home.
But, yeah, high fives for moving to So-Cal to escape, right?!
I do believe that last year was quite mild for my friends in Montreal compared to normal—but that still means -10C instead of -20C. Still troubling to winter-fearing moi.
Those are so cute! Ducks are fun until they’re not anymore. They can SO MEAN and Nasty too!! I can’t really comment on the whole “winter blues” thing. We hardly get any real winter here so when we do get some cloudy days and rain? I suck it all in with pleasure. My advice would be to throw a party. Light a fire, make some drinks and nibbles, pull out some games and have fun!
Methinks I shall have to seek out a fireplace before ever lighting a fire
HOORAY! i am so glad you are posting more images from our frolics! i should probably try and post some of mine.
i do quite love that vertical b&w image of me 
we are far overdue for another one! it’s snowing in the mountains — let’s go! (i know you shudder at the thought!)
Oh my god, Susan, I have SO MANY IMAGES from these wonderful frolics we’ve gone on that never made it to flickr but still tell such a great story. So happy to finally be blogging properly again.
If I make it through Christmas in Canada, I will consider a trek out to the mountains here with you. But the driving and chains and stuff—that’s on you!
I have no good advice to lend, as I’m a hermit by nature and LOVE the winter for allowing me to stay inside but still dodge the usual social scolding.
Chris is a bit opposite, though, he definitely gets afflicted with the winter blues and I think constant human interaction is the key. Whether we brave the elements and force ourselves to go out and see a friend or two, or if me and him just sit down at the kitchen table, drink some hot bevs and play a few rounds of gin rummy, it seems to help ease the S.A.D. issues.
Also: Cats. I HIGHLY recommend cats.
You guys are a couple after our own hearts. Honestly, that’s the one thing winter always offered me. The opportunity to wear slippers and be wrapped in blankets and drinking hot chocolate, and yes, you guessed it, playing a multitude of rounds of Gin Rummy. All the way. We’d settle for Scrabble, though, or even some geekier games I dare not even admit to!
honestly, winter in SD is kind of dreary (i went to undergrad there)… more dreary than it is in NorCal. weird! but you not fighting the blues but instead embracing it will make it more bearable, i think. that and some cozy tea. take a picture of said tea cup with steam rising from it against the fogged up window. and then you’ll see how cozy winter can be.
How cool! I had no idea. Yeah, I’ve been here for 3/4 years now, and it’s fluxuated pretty extremely every winter. So who knows what this one will hold. Man, who knows what the future holds, really. But yes, coziness: I used to run a Flickr group called Cozy Sunday. Its origin totally came from a title of one of my earliest DSLR photos: “Frolics on Cold Days Necessitate the Blissful Consumption of Hot Chocolate”. I stand by it still!
we have been lucky here in vancouver–it’s been so sunny!! it’s been a couple weeks since our last good, serious rainstorm (at least during the day, that i can remember). there have been a few lightly drizzly or grey, cloudy days, but usually bookended by sunny days. it’s so delightful! i kind of like the coziness of the rain, but i’ll enjoy the sun while it’s around<3
The Pacific Northwest admittedly sounds dreamy to me—that kind of rainy cold makes me swoon. But I am sure my feelings could change were I to be out there for long stretches. But these bookending sunny days surely maintain the balance, right?
Omgoodness, Jas, these are gorgeous! I love ducks and the rain. We get rain a lot here in the spring and fall and the ducks are everywhere! I went to a park in Richmond last year and had the same problem being chased around by a king bird like you did. Except there were three of them. And they were angry!
Ha, Who knew they could be so mean?! Even the geese were having at us!
Can I say beautiful pictures again? Because they are!
I’m the opposite of you actually. I lived for 14 years in Saudi Arabia (because of my dad’s work) and all I got there was sand, more sand and on occasion a sand storm. I’ll welcome a blizzard anytime over a sand storm. You feel the dust in your throat with those and they are not pretty.
When I first moved to the States, I moved to Boston where winters were harsh. But I loved the snow because I hadn’t been around it.
Now that I’m in the DC metro area, I love that I get the four seasons throughout the year. I like the change, even if winter is usually one of my lesser favorites, but I appreciate it. On cold days I hang out with my husband or friends. They make dreary weather so much more fun!
Wow, what an interesting contrast of places you’ve lived, Marie. And I do agree, sandstorms are definitely traumatising. I was through a mild one out in the CA desert once and it was awful! Of course… it was awfully intriguing, photographically speaking, too…
These look like lovely frolics- I love the b/w ones especially. They have brightened up my very squelchy, frizzy-haired southern hemisphere day, which is very warm and humid, but absolutely pelting down with rain.
I don’t miss the UK winters- although going back into one for 3 weeks this holiday!!- but I always used to wear the brightest hats/scarves/coats, go for long walks so then you can go somewhere toasty with ruddy cheeks and eat cake with mulled wine
I’m also a big fan of the beach in inclement weather, if you don’t mind getting windswept, it’s amazing- the wilder the better! ::D
Too true. In fact, come to think of it, I rarely go to the beach out here unless the weather’s wonky. It’s so much more intense and overwhelming and magic. Where do you live, now?
I also agree wholeheartedly that part of not only beating the weathered blues, but actually a favourite element of the seasons: dressing for it. The myriad layers of tights and sweaters and scarves and topping it off with a gorgeous winter coat. It’s sad, really, I didn’t even bring any of my winter wear with me to San Diego—it seemed pointless. All my beautiful vintage coats have lived somewhere in my mom’s closet for four years. Yowch!
I don’t have tips on winter blues because, like Kim, I’m a bit reclusive and enjoy the excuse to stay in. But I did want to say that I love the images (especially that profile 3/4 length portrait of Susan) and that you described rainy days as “rich”…which is exactly how I would describe the colors and tones of these images. Nice work!
Thanks much, Lo! I am funny, I’m realizing—I am more of a recluse during pleasant weather here in Southern California than I ever was during the wintriest weather in Canada. Weirdo=me. Something about the brutality of winter out there, though, kinda makes you feel compelled to fight it with a battle-cray attitude.
Beautiful and fun photos! I love sun, whether it is cold winter or hot summer. I need that yellow beam. For me a dreary gray day brings me down.
They both bring me down but also offer me the riches of feeling what I feel—embracing that mellow and pensive mood. Good photographs come of it. And then I feel up. Funny, that.
Those are some seriously cool birds! Love these shot, looks like a great day despite, or because of the rain. I hear ya with the weather thing. It’s extra sucky here right now because it should be snowing (december is the one month I love the snow, after that is starts to get old) but instead it’s still brown & yucky looking, with rain. I’m trying to be happy about the fact that it’s 45 degrees out, but I’m pretty bummed it won’t be a white Christmas like we’re used to. During the snow-y months though I do have a hard time. Lots of indoor plants help, and we watch many movies, bake more bread, and drink more tea.
Oh my gosh I am going to rush to try the baking of bread thing. Totes. My husband’s going to love it.
Love these images, Jas
The girls and I go to Lake Murray often, but have never been in the rain. Looks like you and Susan had so much fun with those ducks 
See, rain because awesome-wonderful when you experience it less frequently. I recommend Lake Murray in the rain. Ooooh, I bet it’s great in the fog, too!
what a beautiful set of photographs
pure love 
, and really nice to read your article, what a lovely way to describe winters 
too bad in live in a part of the world where rain and winter are so not like this.
Thanks, Naved! Of course, you have your own magical aspects out there!
Jasmine, I just LOVE the photos you took of Susan. They’re incredible.
As for winter, hurmph. I’d come back to San Diego and spend it there if I could. Darn job. Luckily, I live in an area that I can walk to things, so while I’m hoping not to see too much snow this winter, at least I won’t get stuck indoors completely if I do.
Why did I leave San Diego????
Thank you so much, Brandi. Susan and I do tend to happen upon some pretty magical places. One day, when you’re back in town, you should join us!
The one thing about winter time in Canada, is that you were empowered by the intensity of the weather and always went out anyway—almost to prove your strength in combatting it. Whereas here it is someone all too easy to just hole up indoors even though winter isn’t particularly brutal! I am sure you will find some uniquely magical aspects of the winter experience in DC, though.
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