Here in Pittsburgh we’re probably lucky to get 60 sunny days a year. I’ve noticed that just about everywhere I travel to, the people seem generally nicer. They seem friendlier and in better moods than a lot of the people I see at the malls and restaurants.

I think it has a lot to do with our weather. In the summer people seem to be in much better moods than they are in the winter. This may seem like a true mastering of the obvious, but how to people from other cities perceive us? Probably not well if it’s winter.

If you’re from Pittsburgh you probably “get” Pittsburgh and the people that live here, but people do really seem friendlier when I travel to other cities. Helpful. Polite. Actually using words like thank you, excuse me, please, and you’re welcome.

Maybe people just tend to be more cynical as they get older. I know as I get older it gets hard and harder for me to believe anything I see as mere fact. It takes a lot to blow me away any more.

With all of its warts, there’s still no place I’d rather call home.