You Might be From Colorado if you Wear Shorts in the Snow
I have lived in Colorado for about 30 years now. Colorado must be a great place to live to keep me here that long. Over the first 25 years of my life, I lived in Hawaii, South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut and California. So yes I jumped from one ocean to the other and landed in the Mile High City.
In all my years here in Colorado, I have never really acclimated to the cold winters. Sure, we can have sunshine and temperatures in the 50’s in January, but it is the bone chilling, no humidity days when my nostrils freeze together just stepping outside that still have me wondering why I live here.
One thing that always amazes me is how so many folks run around in frigid temps with short pants on. They might have hiking boots or tennis shoes on, but there legs are exposed. Many times, I even see people with flip flops, shorts and a tee shirts in snow storms. What is that all about? Only in Colorado! I guess I must be a wimp because I head out with a down parka and fur lined snow boots in these temps.
By March, Old Man Winter has begun to relocate and the crystal blue skies and mile high sun remind us all why we chose Colorado as home. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains are a welcome view and a reminder of the sheer beauty of this glorious state. (Now when I visit other states, I have no idea which direction I am heading because there are no western mountains to use as my guide).
One unique characteristic about Colorado is that we are one of the very first states to legalize marijuana/cannabis for recreational use. Personally, I think it was a stroke of genius when the leaders of our state allowed this bill to pass. I know there are many out there who totally disagree with me and that’s OK.
Last year, the State of Colorado took in over 65 million in tax revenues from the sale of marijuana. That number is expected to double this year.
Smoking pot is not for everyone and it is not something I partake in very often. I think about the people who enjoy this new freedom and I know that they would smoke pot whether or not it was legal. Now it can be regulated and by making it available to Colorado adults, the drug cartels that would have otherwise been involved with selling marijuana in Colorado have moved on to “greener pastures”.
The other amazing thing is the treatments available using cannabis oil. Children who were otherwise wheelchair bound are now playing on playgrounds with the rest of the kids. They aren’t subjected to an inferior quality of life but are blossoming into productive young adults. The results are simply incredible and I am thankful to live in a state that allows these miracles to occur on a daily basis.
It is likely that Colorado will be my forever home. As of today, I have no plans to move although I do miss the ocean waves and sand in my toes. I can always visit the coasts for a little beach therapy which I try to do at least once a year.
Now for those crazy guys who brace the storms in shorts and sandals, I just don’t know…..
