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There Is Always Weather
By Ursula B.G. Kilner, Salisbury
What is the first thing anyone asks, particularly in a long-distance call? You know! What's the weather like?
Right now I wonder what has happened to the global warming enthusiasts. Since we have had one of the coldest and snowiest winters in years, suddenly the global warming issue has disappeared. This sets the stage for "pop" issues. My understanding is that the earth has cooled about 1/3 of a degree each ten years since 1979. What can we do about it? Well, it is supposed to be warming and isn't … now what?
What about the climate in South Korea? I have a cousin who teaches in the American school system there, which takes care of the education of children of military personnel and persons in the diplomatic corps. Right now that cousin is in Seoul, which he reports is either too hot or too cold—but in every letter I get he asks about the climate here, even though he has never lived here. He lived in England, where he taught for three years, and until the English had some horrendous windstorms he laughed at our preoccupation with weather. Now they pay more attention to what goes on in weather … there's nothing like experience!
Even though the snow we have on the ground has subsided about 18 inches since its deepest time, as I write there is more snow predicted mixed in with rain. So when one of my other cousins calls from Illinois, where their winter hasn't been as severe as ours, I can tell him the snow is falling once again and rain will follow. Then I will hear the Illinois forecast and recent weather developments.
One thing about weather: everyone has a deep interest and no one argues about it—whether it be here, South Korea or Illinois. No arguments, just a question: "What is the weather like with you?"
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