I can see where Seattle gets its reputation for rain this winter. Last year, we had a lot of the drizzle that is apparently representative of the area, but in the last week or two we've had some epic rainfall, even Midwest-style downpours. Last night we had a classic thunderstorm, with two orderly squall lines moving west to east, just like back home. The city proper gets 9 inches on average in December, and so far has had 5.5. I can't find data for where we live, but I suspect it's way higher. The river flooding around the Puget Sound area has been fairly serious in places.
But despite all of that rain, there's still one aspect of it that makes it more tolerable than Midwest winter: You still get to see the sun. In the last week, there were only two days where I don't recall seeing the sun at all. Most days at work we have to pull the blinds down or we can't see our computers. Today was like that, and I put up with the glare to feel that warm sun on the back of my head.
The proof is in the lack of seasonal affective disorder. I used to get really depressed in December and January in Cleveland. Last year I had it a little, but I think that had to do with the stress of moving, starting a new job and expecting a baby. This year, not only do I not feel depressed lately, but I actually feel happy in a way that I haven't in many years. Granted, I have a small bundle of reasons to be happy, but I really think it has more to do with the amount I see the sun.
I would still like to have less rain. I want to get out more, walking around the neighborhood, and around campus at work. Rain drops off by 2 inches in February, and then another 2 in April. By July and August, it's less than 2 inches total. That's what I'm talking about.
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