Why Do We Live Here? A Minnesota Love-Hate Story

In case you missed it in my previous blogs, I live in Minnesota. I have (almost) always lived in the Midwest/Upper Midwest. And when people ask why we stay here, the answer is always some variation of: "I love that we have all four seasons to enjoy."

But lately? I'm questioning that answer.

Faux Spring: Nature's Cruelest Joke

Flowers I bought myself because I was feeling "springy." Notice the snow still on the ground behind it!

We've been experiencing what us northerners call "faux spring" this past week. It's been in the low 50s, the snow has been melting, and for a brief moment, we remember what warmth feels like. But we're not naive enough to think second winter won't return soon. After all, it's only February. There's much more to go.

When spring finally does arrive for real, it's beautiful. Trees bud, rain clears away the last aged snow mounds (and reveals all the evidence the dogs left behind—yuck). Fall has always been my favorite season—warm but not too warm, perfect cardigan weather. I pull out my cutest tall boots as we head to the local apple orchard or enjoy our town's Halloween festivities.

But in between those glorious moments? Upper Midwest summers and winters.

The Temperature Extremes Are... A Lot

Let me paint you a picture that often amazes my friends around the country: A few weeks ago, it was -45°F. On June 21st last summer, it was 96°F. (I remember this well—it was the weekend of my nephew's OUTSIDE graduation party.)

If you do the math, that's a 141°F shift in a seven-month period. That kind of extreme wears on your body, your house, and definitely your lawn.

The Question We Keep Asking

So why am I putting on my temporary meteorologist hat? (Besides the fact that I can be wrong almost all the time without ramifications—wouldn't that be fun?)

It's because every year for at least the last several years, my husband and I find ourselves staring at each other from our either cozily warm or air-conditioned living room (either way, we end up inside!). And we inevitably ask: "Why do we live here?"

When the kids were young and into their teenage years, we were too busy balancing jobs with their school and activity schedules to ponder that question. But now, as we reflect more often, things have shifted. Many of our friends and family have their own busy lives.

Relationships we had with friends through our kids' activities have naturally faded. Some have even moved away themselves.

What Home Means Now

These days, I long to be physically closer to my daughters and my sister. All the things I loved about Minnesota—besides certain times of year when you remember exactly why it's so beautiful—have faded a bit. I find myself longing for a more temperate climate where I could open my windows most days and walk outside without fear of slipping on ice or passing out from oppressive humidity.

As we get older, we're contemplating: where do we go from here?

In my heart, home is wherever my family is. But a small place with a beautiful outdoor garden year-round does sound pretty appealing.

Living Vicariously (For Now)

Until that point, we'll keep taking vacations and visiting places to see what might fit.

If you made a move, tell me about it. Where did you end up and why? How has it met your expectations? I can't wait to live vicariously through your stories for now!