Camacho Watcho

Minnesota weather is very unpredictable. One day you’re outside in short sleeves…the next day you need to pull out the wool sweaters. You have to learn to just go with the flow. Although I think I’m pretty good at this, I have to say it was a bit confusing last week when we were hit with an afternoon of slushy snow. I am definitely not ready for winter, but I have to admit that it was a beautiful snowfall, especially the way the huge white flakes contrasted with the bright fall colors.

On a day like this there is only one thing to do – curl up in a coffee shop with a latte…which is exactly what I did.

Most people think that living in Minnesota is nine months of unbearable cold and three months of unbearable hot, humid weather. Add to that statement brisk, clear fall days and cool, wet spring afternoons and that more accurately describes Minnesota weather. But this does not mean that the weather is bad, it is the extremes in weather that make each season uniquely its own for enjoyment.

While I do enjoy each season in its own right, what I want to talk about is summer. Minnesotans love the summer. It is inevitable that if it is a nice day, most Minnesotans will be outside enjoying life…exercising, lounging around, doing water sports, you name it. But one of the favorite weekend activities for Minnesotans is going north to a cabin for a weekend getaway.

We were recently talking to some friends from Atlanta, describing this “going north” concept and they said, “isn’t Minnesota north enough already?” I had never thought of it like that before. And yes, that is true that Minnesota is pretty far north, but if you journey just a bit farther you will find a cabin subculture where Minnesotans go to play.

This past weekend was the scene for an annual cabin party event with good friends. Each year 15-20 friends gather at a cabin just outside Alexandria for good times. We eat, drink, ski, tube, play games, laugh…I won’t go any further in describing the weekend than that. (Although there are many a good story to be told). We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, marriages (Way to go Luke and Georgann for spending the first part of your honeymoon with us this year!), and friendship. It’s a tradition that has lasted 10 years and will hopefully last for a long time to come.

So when you think of Minnesota weather, don’t just picture the cold, winter days. Think of all the Minnesotans up north on a lake in the summer, drinking a cold beer and hanging out with good friends.

I’ve lived in Minnesota for almost eight years now, so the weather trends should not surprise me anymore. But each year as Spring rolls around, I continue to be astounded and perplexed by the daily variations to the weather.

Case in point: I recall a few years ago when we had a couple 80 degree days around April 15th and the very next week we had two inches of snow.

It’s not that the snow is that bad, but what I find is that my skin is a little thinner in the Spring, less tolerant of the wind and cold. Whereas I might have ventured outside mid-winter on an occasional 30 degree day in a coat with no hat or scarf, 30 degrees in the Spring feels downright cold. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we have moved past the worst of the weather this year.

Last Sunday, Kyle and I broke out the grill for the first time in the year. It was just a steak and a side green salad with a caper vinaigrette, but it was delicious. The simplicity of a grilled meal is so incredibly satisfying. I look forward to many warm summer mornings, strolling to the farmers market for fresh vegetables and then coming home and throwing those and a steak or piece of fish on the grill in the evening. I’ll sit back and relax with a chilled glass of wine in my hand. Perfection.

But first we have to get through the Spring…the forecast looks pretty steady for the rest of the month, but you know how that can go.