Several years ago, heading home from tranquil Lancaster County, PA, where my husband and I had visited relatives, Amish friends, and enjoyed the scenery, we planned to fly out of Philadelphia to find Hurricane Sandy barreling up the East Coast headed straight at us. The airport was mayhem as hundreds of flights were cancelled. My husband and I felt anxious as we entered a jet that might sit on the tarmac then be denied takeoff. But our flight gained clearance; we were grateful to arrive home safely.
As I watch nationwide weather reports, I often think about my friends and relatives in the rest of the country. My jaw drops as I listen to accounts of broiling temperatures, droughts, floods, and tornadoes.
I recall, when living with my grandmother in CT, the sky darkened around noon so much we turned on the lights. Hail slammed down and the wind picked up as a small tornado sauntered up the valley. We lost electricity for days. My grandma didn’t have AC, but she had a freezer full of thawing food.
We piled in her car to inspect the damage in her corner of Litchfield County, and were stunned at the flattened cornfields and uprooted maples and oaks. What I remember the most is the dazed expressions of the people standing at the side of the road staring at their ruined crops, toppled trees, and downed electrical wires. When I watch tornadoes and hurricanes on TV, I multiply my experience in CT by ten. Same goes for the flooding we endured in New Jersey when I was young.
I found it amusing when our local weatherman reported the Pacific Northwest had recently broken a record by having a solid week of over 80 degrees. Most folks would chuckle, but people around here felt miserable because most of them don’t have air-conditioning and they’re not used to it. Maybe that’s what it comes down to. Can you grow used to any weather? Is there somewhere that has perfect climate? Is it all in the eye of the beholder?
Leave a comment and enter to win a novel from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or newly released Forever Amish. THREE winners will receive a novel! Their choice.
Congratulations to last week’s winners: Chris-A, Kristin S., and Dori! Each may choose one copy of Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or newly released Forever Amish! I will email you. Thank you, to everyone who entered and left many delightful comments!
Would very much so love to read your books!!!
I would love you to read my books, Bonnie! I hope you win one in this giveaway. Thanks for entering!
I think that if you live in Minnesota, the beauty of weather is truly in the eye of the beholder. Without a positive attitude and finding the silver lining, how else can you survive endless months of winter and summers that can be very humid? I like to focus on the fact that we do have four, truly different seasons. Fall around here is so gorgeous and that is my favorite time of the year. 🙂
It’s my favorite time of the year too, Lisa! I don’t live with half your summer heat and humidity or freezing winter months, but the payoff is many drizzly days and gray skies. You’re right: The beauty of weather is in the eye of the beholder. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Somewhere that has all four seasons ! LOVE the fall with the cooler weather. Have to admit though, Christmas without snow would never work! Spring is new beginnings, summer……Just no humidity,please !!!!!
I do enjoy four seasons too, Rita! I also love autumn, but in the PNW have lived through many a Christmas without even a trace of snow. I agree: Humidity, please evaporate. Thanks for writing. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you!
As we are heading into retirement, my husband and I have been trying to figure out the “perfect” place to retire where we would have the most perfect weather for our small herd of alpacas. Not too hot, not too rainy, not too cold and snowy in the winter…..not too far north, not to far south, not on the coast…..not in a populated area, close enough to civilization so it isn’t an hour trek to the nearest store. Not too hilly or mountainous because ice and snow would be treacherous,,,,but I want to see the mountains out my window. Good soil, not too rocky because it is hard to put in a fence post. The list goes on and on. But I think we narrowed down our choice. We will settle wherever our grown children settle, regardless of the weather. Our perfect climate will be with family.
I loved reading your comment, Judy! It really got me thinking. So many choices, but the perfect one will be with your family. You have your priorities in the right order. I’m wishing you good luck in the giveaway. Thanks for writing!
I love GA and the hot humid summers are worth living here! If I could choose a different weather, I would lower the temp and humidity by about 10-15 degrees in the summer and keep the rest of the seasons as they are.
It sounds as if you are living in close to your ideal climate, Martha! May cool breezes lower the temp to make life more comfortable for you. How to lower the humidity in GA? No idea. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway! I look forward to reading your latest!
Thanks so much for entering the giveaway, Kathryn. I want you to read Forever Amish too! Good luck!
where i live its very hot in the summer.right now its already close to 90.gonna be about 100 today.
Wow, 100° is hot, Debbie! I wonder how low your temperature gets at night, If it cools down enough to enjoy yourself outside. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
It’s going to be a humid 90 degrees here in SW Michigan today. Much warmer than I like! Grateful for air conditioning. My ideal temperature is 70-72, and I would like that year round.
A humid 90° sounds like a good day to head for air-conditioning, Kathy! I hope you find relief as we move toward autumn. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Hi Kate, enjoyed seeing you at the chat on Bookclub network last night…gets busy doesn’t it? Summertime in Ga seems like we have lot of rain showers in the afternoons. grass grows too quick and needs cut too quick again…
I am hoping to win your book forever amish on the bookclub but should I not , I am trying here too.
thanks for sharing.
Doubly good luck to you, Paula! Yes, the chat moves 100 miles-an-hour and is fun! I enjoyed being a part of it and can’t wait to read what the 30 winners of a copy of Forever Amish have to say in their reviews!
I would love weather in the 60’s and 70’s year round. That being said, you can get used to a climate, but it takes a while.
It does take a while to acclimate, John, but some temperatures are easier to live with than others! it would take me a long, long time to get used to 105°. Thanks for writing! Good luck in the giveaway!
I could get used to 89* temps….easily 🙂
I live in a hot climate but I have to say our winters are wonderful!
So looking forward to Forever Amish!!!!!
Does your temperature soar above 89, Loretta? I’m glad you have wonderful winters! I’m delighted you’re looking forward to reading Forever Amish! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I am looking forward to reading this Triology!!
Rachael, I hope you do read the Legacy of Lancaster County Trilogy! Good luck in the giveaway. You may win one of the books!
My favorite summer temp is low 70’s ,few big, beautiful, fluffy white clouds and a slight fragrant breeze from the magnolia tree flowers.
Ah, your description sounds delightful, Sparkle! Thanks for sharing the fragrant breeze with me. Good luck in the book giveaway!
70-73 year round would be wonderful! Thank you Kate for another opportunity to win one of your books!
I could live with that too, Lorraine, but around here we need snow in the mountains to provide water during the summer. I think the days need to be in the low 40s for it to snow in our Cascade Mountain range. And I enjoy a couple of snowy days. Mind you, just a couple, not the terrible Arctic blast that blasted much of the country last winter.
Hi Kate, thank you for sharing and a chance to win. I have lived in several states which are MD., PA., MT., ID. and now Virginia. Every place has it’s ups and downs and there is no perfect weather. It would be nice to have mid 70’s with a rain shower during the night. ~ Blessings ~
Sounds like you’ve experienced many climates, Lisa! I also love it when I wake up in the morning and find it’s rained all night, but the downpour stopped just in time for me to take a morning walk. Thank you for writing and entering the giveaway!
I dislike being hot….love the other seasons…so if summers were around 70s – 80s would be great
I get the feeling your temperatures are above 80s in the summer, Rhonda. No fun being too hot! I hope you find relief from the oppressive heat. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I have lived in Ohio all my life. We have had some unusual weather throughout the years here. Xenia, Ohio has had a few tornado touchdowns. I have seen funnel clouds overhead several times. Seen it be in the 70’s at Christmas and in the 40’s on the fourth of July. I not sure where would be a good place to live. Either it is to hot, or hot and muggy, or cold. No one is happy. I grew up without AC and I always tell my daughter she should consider herself lucky. Our AC went down for 2 days and you would think the world had come to an end. Yes we are spoiled today with cooler homes and cars but alot of us remember not having either growing up.
Thank you for the giveaway
Your letter made me chuckle, Dawn! Your weather definitely sounds unusual with or without AC. The other day, a woman told me that she wanted to move because she didn’t like her neighbors. I mentioned she could move next to a house with barking dogs and she agreed. It’s hard to get things perfect. Good luck in the giveaway!
I was born & raised in the South so I love the heat but not the humidity. I don’t mind winter but freeze when it’s cold, snowy & icy where I live now in PA! I think we’ve gotten soft as I was raised with either no a/c or a window a/c with all the doors closed, so if you went to your bedroom it was warm & stuffy! Can’t imagine no heat in the winter! Fun to think about anyway. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Linda
Thanks for writing, Linda! I do think we’ve gotten soft and I often wonder how the Amish manage so well without AC or central heating in their homes. Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Perfect weather would be 65 to 70 degrees with slight breeze. Thanks for the chance to win. God bless.
I hope you’re enjoying your perfect weather, Lisa! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Would love to win an awesome book.
I’d love you to win one of my books too, LeAnn! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Perfect summer weather is warm enough to enjoy the pool, warm enough to appreciate the shade trees, and cool enough to keep me from being grouchy. 🙂 I would love to win a copy of one of your books.
You put it beautifully, Beverly! Sinking into a pool on a hot day is a luxury we don’t enjoy much in my area. Sounds lovely. I’d love you to win one of my books. Good luck In the book giveaway!
I don’t take the heat or cold to well, so, I would take 40 to 80 degrees year round. I enjoy your books.
Thanks so much for writing, Deanna! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed my books. Your weather parameters sound a lot like the area I live in, except we do get a lot of rain … Good luck in the giveaway!
I would love to win any one of your books. Forever Amish,Leaving Lancaster and Pennsylvania Patchwork . Kate, I really enjoy your writings very much. I really get into the books and the Amish people. I like reading about their simple way of life and they too have hardships , and that family is very important to them and that they have God in their life.
I’d love you to get a chance to read one of my books, Kristina! You are entered in the giveaway!
I’m from the North West, But live in Utah. It gets hot here in the Summer has been in the high 90’s I do love the flowers and warm breeze.
I’ve wondered if it ever gets humid in Utah, Kristina. I’ve heard heat is much more bearable when the air is dry. I’d love to see your summer flowers. Good luck in the giveaway and enjoy your warm breeze!
I love Amish books! I would love to read yours.
If you love Amish books, you’ve come to the right place, Becky! Thanks for entering the book giveaway and good luck!
We live in western NY, where the winters can be brutal (this past winter it was particularly bitterly cold; some years it’s the amount of snow that can be tough to handle) and the summers can be hot, humid and hazy. Today and tomorrow we are to be 85-90 with humidity. Not my favorite time. I prefer 60-70! I love when Fall rolls around with its lower temps, much-lower humidity, gorgeous colors, wonderful smells, and apples!
Would love to win your books, so thank you for the opportunity. 🙂 Blessings!
Melanie, I shivered when I saw and heard of the weather reports of your arctic blast last winter. But 85–90 coupled with the burden of humidity doesn’t sound like much fun either. I hope you find relief soon. I love, love, love autumn in the Northeast. Good luck in the book giveaway!
I am not much of a cold weather person. After the winter that we had this year, I am loving the Summer here in Pennsylvania…humidity and all.
My favorite “vacation”, was spending my birthday in Lancaster County!! (Is there any place better…even if it is only for 1 day!) This is my most favorite place in the world!!
Kate Lloyd, thank you for writing this series!! I hope everyone enjoys these stories as much as I have!! Would live to have an autographed copy.
Have a great day!!
Elaine
tinkerbell2by2@gmail.com
You are a sweetheart, Elaine! Thanks for writing. I’m glad you’re enjoying the summer heat, humidity and all. You picked the most fabulous place to spend your birthday! I hope your day was special. Well, I’m sure it was. Good luck in the book giveaway!
I love sunshine and a very slight (and I mean slight) breeze. If I have those conditions then I can handle a cooler temp, even in the 70s. Otherwise 80ish is nice for summer. I grew up in Southern California but live in Iowa now. I could totally skip winters and just enjoy the other three seasons. 😉
I love your books, Kate!
Thanks so much for your kind words about my books, Janice! I bet a lot of people wish they could skip winter, especially those in the Midwest who grew up in sunny Southern California! Good luck in the book giveaway!
I was in Lancaster, PA last week on a bus tour. (I’m from NC) Wish I was still there! Even though I’ve been many times, I still needed lots more time to just “drink in” the beautiful scenery.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
What fun, Susan! I can never seem to soak in enough of the beautiful scenery either. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
For me, perfect weather would be around 55 to 60 degrees!
I think you are unique, Tanya! You might be perfectly happy living where I do the last few days, except for the rain. I do like being able to open the windows and staying cool when sleeping at night. Thanks for entering the book giveaway!
My perfect weather is in the 70’s and bright sunshine. I love enjoying outdoor picnics, hikes and playing outdoors. However, when it gets hot and humid it is really hard to be outside and enjoy summer. So, I enjoy fall the best!
I enjoy being outside as much as I can, too, Shirley! So true about the very hot and humid weather. It does make a person anticipate the loveliness of autumn. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
If the temps never got less than 50° not more than 75°, I’d be content forever. That’s perfect weather, no matter where you are.
I could live within those boundaries, Mary! I have great respect for people who can endure steaming heat and humidity. I’ve done it myself, but don’t miss the misery. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I think the perfect summer temperature should be 80 with no humidity and no rain. Thank you for a chance to participate in such a great giveaway.
Thanks so much for writing, Myrtle! Is there a place where it’s 80 but has no humidity or rain? Seems like one or the other moves in and makes the air muggy. I appreciate your entering the giveaway. Good luck!
The perfect weather for me… 65 to 75 low humidity and a nice breeze.
I’d love you to have an ideal day every day, Juanita! Thanks for writing. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you!
What’s your idea of the perfect climate in summer? I would be happy with it being in the 70’s and 80’s, but living in Texas that’s only a pipe dream. We’re a military family. We rejoiced when we got orders to Guam where it’s 70’s and 80’s year around.
Wishing you the very best for the duration of your family’s military commitment, Jennifer! A heartfelt thanks to your husband and/or you for serving our country. Hope you enjoy perfect weather every day in Guam. Good luck in the book giveaway!
I enjoy the 70s with a nice breeze
Sounds delightful, Tricha! May you enjoy a gentle breeze. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
My perfet summer would be sunny, 75 degrees and a slight breeze. But that never happens. Too much heat and humidity for me. But a girl can dream!
Sorry you can’t enjoy your dream-weather, Pauline! I pray it eases down to a comfortable temperature and a slight breeze blows your way. Good luck in the book giveaway!
My idea of perfect summer weather is temperatures in the 60’s to mid 70’s, low humidity & a light, cool breeze. Night time weather would be good in the 40’s to 50’s with a nice breeze so I can sleep.
I also appreciate a good night sleep, Lisa! I hope you enjoy some of your summer wishes, but not many places get down to 40s at night. Some evenings we run our furnace’s fan to circulate cool air up from the basement. Not as good as AC but it works pretty well in our coolish climate. (for now) Good luck in the giveaway!
low 70’s daytime and low 60’s at night.
low 70’s daytime and low 60’s at night.
I could live with that all year round, Mona! Although I guess I would miss a smattering of snow in the winter and a couple days of heat. Thank you for writing and good luck in the contest!
would love to win
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Valerie! Good luck!
70’s to low 80’s with little to no humidity . That doesn’t happen much living in NC in the summer, even sometimes in the fall . 🙂
Humidity does seem to make even the 70s and 80s uncomfortable, Kim! I’m wishing you much lovely weather this summer and into the fall. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love reading your books. Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks, Nancy! I’m delighted you love reading my books! Thank you for writing and entering the giveaway!
My favorite summer temperature would be between 75 and 80 with no humidity. I live 5 stories, the top floor in an apartment building. I am on the backside and get the sun in the afternoon, which can make it very warm. Thank God, I have air conditioning. I love your books, and would love to win.
I’m glad you have air-conditioning to give you relief in the summer, Barbara! In the winter, your location might be of benefit, especially if you could spot the sun setting. Thank you so much for saying you love my books! Yea! Good luck in the contest!
I would love a summer in the 70’s…With a slight breeze and no humidity. ..I am not a huge fan of super hot summer can get but I love to see all of summer’s colors…
A summer in the 70′s with a slight breeze and no humidity sounds close to perfection, Annea! You’re correct; what would our hummingbirds do without vibrant summer colors? Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I have read your books and enjoy them. Weather wise I tend to enjoy sunshine and warm weather, but not really hot. I feel content no matter the weather, but if it is sunny I can take a good book and read it in the sunshine and enjoy a glass of cold water or lemonade.
Thank you for your kind assessment of my books, Andrea! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading them! Congratulations on feeling content no matter the weather. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love the 60’s – 70’s.. Fall is the perfect weather. 😉
I have to agree with you, Jeanine, fall is near perfection. But I love all of the seasons, each for different reasons. Thanks for writing in entering the giveaway!
Hot temperatures don’t bother me unless the humidity is high and I have always loved Summer. I have always appreciated living in Kentucky and having four seasons but our weather has changed so the seasons are no longer the same!
How fun that you have always loved summer, Connie! I enjoy the changing of the seasons too. Our seasons also fluctuate, so we never know what to expect. But it’s always been that way, as long as I can remember. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I do not like hot weather and worse yet when it is humid! Fall is my favorite time of year.
Hot and humid are my least favorites, Rita. And I also love autumn. Thinks are entering the giveaway and good luck!
Summer is too hot and winter is too cold in our area. When we lived near the bay I loved Spring, but out in the valley Fall is my favorite season. Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
I’m a big fan of fall too, Lori. Thanks for writing and entering the give away. Good luck!