homesick

My husband and I just moved from Suprise, AZ to Owings Mills, MD 2 weeks ago due to his job (military). I am still kind of homesick... the cold has always bugged me regadless. The snow is pretty, but nasty when it starts to melt. Hopefully, I will find a nice place to ride when it warm up!

I know how you feel. I grew up in Yuma, AZ and after having moved away, I still miss AZ terribly (and it's been almost 17 years). You'll find some great riding places when it warms, but don't let the winter keep you off your bike. When that snow melts, go find some nice trails.

Oh, and how strange is this? My childhood best friend lives in Surprise. Small world. :)

Stay warm!

Would this help?

http://baltobikeclub.org/index.pl/home

The best way to deal with winter is to get out in it! Get some merino wool (easy to find at second hand and discount stores), fleece, mittens, and a hat and off you go. If there's no or little snow, you can hike or run. Try snow shoeing or x country skiing. You can often rent equipment at EMS or REI to try out, to see if you like it. And if the roads are not bad, you can ride in the colder weather. My sense is that the snow season in MD is not as long as it is up here.
I lived in AZ for many years and I found most people in the Valley just stayed indoors most of the time, because of the heat. There is a process of acclimatizing to the cold, but you can do it if you have the right clothes. It's normal to miss your friends and family, but the best way to deal with this is to get involved in your new community.

Kim,

I feel for you moving to the area this time of year! Quite a shock, I am sure. I am about an hour north of you. You'll need to invest in some good winter clothes. Even for running errands, I have good insulated pants, shoes, etc. If you dress right, it's not so bad. The snow is a pita, I agree. Those that do snow sports deal with the snow better. Me, I just wait until it melts. Usually, around here, it's cleaned up off the roads pretty quickly. The snow we just had is not typical of the area, so be encouraged by that! The Balto Bike Club is a great resource! You'll love the bicycling opportunities once the weather gets more hospitable. And spring here is just a beautiful time. All the more lovely after the long, cold winter. ;)

Oh, and think of this as a positive: you now get to experience 4 seasons (as opposed to the two seasons in AZ: killer hot and mild). :D;)

How about hot, HOTTER and insanely BROILING?

When I am walking to my car in an icy wind, I try and remember what it was like to have to carry a cloth to open my car door, have a steering wheel cover, shades for the windshield, and wait for the car to cool down from the AC.

sending happy thoughts --
I just moved to a new city, too, and it always takes a while to build up a new community and support network.

Hang in there! And Happy Holidays!

I grew up in a military family. A new place every three years. It's not easy but make the best of it, it's really a great opportunity.