Dearest Spokane,
It’s not you, it's me.
For more than ten years we’ve spent every winter together. You’ve provided me with idyllic white Christmases, ski seasons that stretch into spring and endless excuses to wear a scarf but I can’t take it anymore.
So after much soul searching, I think it’s best we take a break.
This isn’t goodbye. It’s more of a “see you later” – or to be more specific — see you in late March.
I’ll return when we’ve both had time to calm down.
You’ve left almost two feet of snow stacked in my yard. Spokane has now seen the snowiest February in more than a century and the second snowiest February on record.
It’s overkill.
And the frigid temperatures only add insult to injury. Temperatures were way below average, by 10-15 degrees around the Northwest, daily during the month of February.
My patience (what little I had) has worn thin. I’ve reached my breaking point with you and the cold.
So with that said, I have left you for a warmer (nearly scarf-free) city.
Please understand.
I do love you, Spokane. But to maintain our relationship, I’ll be leaving you each year starting in mid-February for Peoria, Arizona.
Peoria has brought me newfound joy, 70 degree weather, Mariner’s spring training baseball and there’s not a snowflake in sight.
I hope you understand.
With fond regards,
Peoria’s newest snowbird