If ever there is a time of the year I could (and probably do) become depressed it's late October and the entire month of November. Were it not for the distraction of Christmas, I might never get out of bed in November. But, there are cookies to bake, presents to buy, lights to hang, cards to address ... .

Most Erieites say they get depressed in the spring when it keeps snowing and hailing all over the tulips and daffodils, but I don't mind snow in the spring -- I can take it then because I KNOW it can't last much longer. I know it's a matter of weeks (or, in wacky-weather Erie, days) before we're busting out the summer shorts and halter tops.

But, this time of year ... ugh -- there's nothing to look forward to now except months and months and months of miserable winter weather, nearly-constant darkness, dreadful hours on the treadmill and being cooped up indoors 24/7 -- driving each other nuts, eating continuously, gaining winter pounds and sharing cold viruses.

Just yesterday I finally gave in and put my summer sandals, skirts and shorts away and hauled out the bins full of sweaters, boots, tights and wool skirts. Frumpy, lumpy, bumpy clothes for a frumpy, lumpy, bumpy season. Just getting the stuff out depressed me. And, I've spent a considerable amount of money on winter clothing in an effort to make myself like it better.

I have a few (just a few!) friends who love winter and relish the site of the first flakes (you know who you are) and they delight in torturing me with weather forecasts this time of year -- e-mailing every time they see a flake. But it's these same snow-loving flakes who come to me whining in spring when they grow tired of the boots, slush and swirling tornados of snow.

At the risk of wishing away perfectly good months of my life, I already can't wait for spring.

I know what you're thinking -- then why do I choose to live here? One word -- makes all the winter weather and misery worth it -- Family. They're here -- most of my and my husband's siblings, cousins and aunts and uncles are here. And, so, here I will stay because with them, I can weather any storm.