Living in South Bend, Indiana, offers four different seasons.
- Each one brings something unique to appreciate.
I always look forward to the spring, when the snow finally melts and the first flowers show up. The smell of the lilacs, hyacinths, lilies of the valleys and flowering trees is just lovely. Summers tend to be hot and somewhat wet. There’s plenty of sunshine and warm weather to enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities. I often head to Potato Creek State Park to hike miles of trails or kayak on Worster Lake. The fall might just be the most beautiful time of year in South Bend. The changing colors of the leaves are stunning. There are also lots of fresh vegetables and fruits available, including zucchini, squash, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and apples. Winter is definitely our longest season, often lasting for the majority of the year. The temperature plummets into the teens or even negative digits and the snow piles up very quickly. While it’s necessary to bundle up in sweaters, snow boots, hats and gloves, it’s also refreshing to get outdoors. I thoroughly enjoy ice skating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding. The weather in South Bend does create some challenges. We need to be prepared for lots of rain, humidity, high winds, sleet, hail and blizzard conditions. We rely heavily on the air conditioner and furnace and pay high energy bills. To help with the constant temperature adjustments, I’ve invested into a smart thermostat. The thermostat automatically raises or lowers the setting according to the outdoor conditions, occupancy of the home and my family’s preferences. It works to trim energy usage and optimize comfort.