Daytime weather ...

When you grow up in a certain part of the world, you get accustomed to the weather in that area. You learn that clear skies usually means a certain level or warmth, dark clouds mean that rain is on it's way, and even in the middle of winter the sun's rays can be very warming.

That is not the case in Maine (and other parts of the world).

Mum and I were talking the other day about how deceiving the temperature is when you look outside.  Even when it looks like its a nice clear and sunny day outside, that doesn't necessarily mean it's warm....

All of the houses in Maine have some form of oil/gas central heating. It's not central heating by Australian standards - it's heating through the entire house from the pipes under the house to the ceiling. They do this not just to stay warm, but to also prevent the pipes from freezing during the winter months. 

Right now the sky outside is perfectly clear. The sun is shining and it appears to be a lovely day.

But one step out the door reveals something very different. The temperature at the moment is a chilly 3 degrees celsius (feels like -1) - that's 38F for the locals. When I woke up this morning it was -3 celsius!! Of course sitting inside you don't notice the heating is keeping you warm. We have the heat sitting on around 15 celsius (60F) so it feels just like it would back home on a regular day. The shock is when you go outside to do something.

Today is a calm day - when it's windy outside the cold is even more noticeable (very icy). I'm still going out wearing one layer of clothing under my jumper/hoodie/jacket, but I think it will very soon be time for two or more layers. So far it hasn't bothered me but I'm sure I will feel the cold as the temperature continues to drop.