SAD. . . . but true . . .

In the words of John Denver . . .

      "Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy . . . . sunshine in my eyes can make me cry . .
        Sunshine on the water looks so lovely . . .  sunshine almost always makes me high . . ."



SAD. . . . what is it??  According to Wikipedia, "Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression, was considered a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer.  It is no longer classified as a unique mood disorder but is now a specifier called With seasonal pattern for recurrent major depressive disorder that occurs at a specific time of the year and fully remits otherwise. Although experts were initially skeptical, this condition is now recognized as a common disorder."

With the weather here in Germany being 99% cloudy and rainy (or so it seems through my experience), SAD is actually quite common here and should be recognized and remedied early to avoid the unpleasant feelings that accompany it.  There was recently an article published in the military newspaper here dealing with this issue . . . I guess I hadn't realized that it had already affected both Clayton and I until I read the article.

*random fact . . . there are about 188 days of sunshine in California compared to 69 days of sunshine in my village in Germany . . . it seems more drastic than that living here*

The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up." The condition in the summer can include heightened anxiety.

There are several ways to combat this disorder such as light therapy (actual lights you buy for your house and sit in front of them a couple times a day), medication, vitamin D and melatonin supplementation.  So far we have tried to remedy our symptoms with vitamin D and catching every little bit of sunlight we can get.  Today I was actually able to take the pups out for a 20 minute walk in the sunshine in between moments of pouring down rain.  It made my heart smile to enjoy that 20 minutes of bliss . . . . California how I miss your sunny, blue skies . . .

Warning: to all of my friends and family, I shall be returning in November with pale skin . . . I will look sickly, no color to brighten my cheeks . . please give me time to reclaim my Californian looks :-)

Keukenhof Gardens ~ The Garden of Europe

Ooohh how I have longed to see the tulips of the Netherlands . . . one of my many traveling dreams . . . that dream was fulfilled last April!!  I finally went to see Keukenhof . . . known as the Garden of Europe.

According to the official website for the Keukenhof Park, approximately seven million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park over a span of 79 acres.  We were told that the best time to view the park and gardens was in mid-April which is exactly when we went.  Unfortunately we had a late spring :-( On the day we visited the gardens it was raining. . . and the flowers were hiding . . . the atmosphere was not so festive as one might imagine. The flowers actually had not bloomed yet even though the website informed us that many of the flowers were blooming beautifully.  Despite the weather and loss of "bloomage"

, I am still glad we went.  We were able to see a few of the famous Holland windmills and the greenhouse that was housing the flower contest held absolutely beautiful treasures!  Though we did not walk the entire park due to the circumstances, it is apparent that during peak season the park would definitely be a site to behold.  There was no shortage of greenery however.  The lawns were perfectly manicured, complete with small waterfalls and streams running through various areas.  There were small parks for children to play in, beautiful seating arrangements for which to enjoy the sights, even a large maze made out of 10 foot hedging. 

Despite the rather high entry cost into the park, about 20 euro along with the parking cost of 6 euro, it was a good visit and another visit next year (when more flowers are in bloom) is a must!

Nikon 1

After much thought (and since my broken down Olympus point and shoot camera is still packed up in the middle of nowhere) Clayton and I decided to get me my Christmas present early. . . a sweet Nikon 1!!  I was hesitant at first. . but we are living in Europe after all and I need to remember these moments for the rest of my life! . . right??!?

We took the pups out to play (which by the way they absolutely LOVE the snow) and I decided to try out my little gift for the first time . . . here is what I came up with :

 

 

 

Also took some nature shots just for practice. . . and it is absolutely wonderously winter!

 

 

 

 

I love this weather!

Maybe it is just the new excitement that comes with the start of a new season. . . but I absolutely love this weather!! I love the rain, the cool chill to the air, the falling leaves, the coziness of being at home while the wind howls through the window panes. . . wonderful bliss! I will probably be quite ready for the wamth and freshness of spring come February, but for the moment I am reveling in the season of Fall.



Here are some alternatives I found to the traditional "umbrella"