East Coast people claim that there is no winter in California. That is because they have not considered the endlessness of December rain. No storms, no blizzards, just gentle showers that drag on day after monotonous day. The rhythmic tap of raindrops lulls you to sleep at night and wakes you in the morning. It gradually soaks you as you wait for the bus so that for the first two hours of your day, you shiver in wet clothes at your desk.
Here’s my advice for surviving the winter in Northern California: The moment that the rain stops for long enough to put on your shoes, go for a walk. Even if you have a broken foot, and you have to scoot downstairs on your butt with your leg stretched out in front of you. It is always a mistake to turn away when the sun calls like that, like a restless child tugging at your sleeve and begging for your attention. Regardless of how frustrating it may be to crutch for five minutes just to go one block, it’s better than staying inside.
You mustn’t mind the stares of people walking on the
