Have I ever mentioned how much I hate winter?  I'm rather satisfied with all other seasons, but I am certain I could live without winter.  Allow me to vent my hatred in list form:

Snow.  Snow is beautiful when it first falls.  Then it becomes grossly soiled and eventually turns into slush.  It makes otherwise competent drivers into out-of-control demolition derby participants.  It makes going anywhere a chore and a life-threatening endeavor.  And it's cold.

The cold.  I can deal with freezing temperatures.  They're not comfortable, but they're not painful.  In Michigan, we tend to drop way below freezing.  So every little wisp of wind feels like needles being jammed into your face.  I happen to have sensitive eyes that become waterfalls of tears when cold air hits them.  This does not help the pain.

My mood.  I'm always down during the winter.  I wouldn't say I'm depressed or sad, I just feel sluggish and energy-lacking.  The sun just provides so much energy and good-feelings, and when it's gone, it's definitely noticeable.

The cold.  Did I mention this already?  I feel it needs to be mentioned again.  I really hate the extreme cold.

It came to my attention a few years ago that there is a solution to my winter hatred: moving.

It seemed like a simple solution, at first.  Find a place that is generally always the perfect temperature (between 65 and 75 degrees) and move there.  I found such a place and began, years ago, planning my move.

Then, I realized it wasn't so easy.  As much as I hate Michigan weather, I love Michigan.  I love the people in Michigan, the places, the nature (in the summer).  I love my family and friends.

So, for now, having those things in my life are more important to me than living in the luxury of good weather. But, maybe one day, everyone I love will realize the same thing I did.  Then we can all move, together, to that place that has it all, including the perfect weather.