Google “Vitamin D for winter depression”. Less exposure to sunlight causes lower levels of vitamin D which has been linked to the winter blues.

Needs a basketball hoop in the upper right.

Stereotypes are widely used oversimplifications. It is not a simplification if I accurately write about something I experienced. So I am sharing MY experience. Some minor points were generalized to obscure my identity.

Not all stereotype. I have personally experienced some of what I wrote.

In the absence of major league pro sports teams, parents live vicariously through their kids' competitions. Pee wee soccer and little league baseball are absolutely cut throat. You've got parents who work at Pratt or Sikorsky building wind tunnels so their Cub Scout can win the Pinewood Derby. And don't get me started about college admissions -- parents will rub it in your face if their offspring gets accepted to an Ivy. Only in CT do you get "Your son got an 800 on the Math SAT? Why didn't you force him to go to MIT?"

Get some extra cash — no power means no ATM or credit card transaction. Fill up your car’s gas tank — gas station pumps need power to operate. Stock up on flashlights and batteries. Be sure your electronics are charged up. Find out in advance the locations of any emergency shelters near you. Be prepared, but don’t overly worry. More densely populated areas get their power restored more quickly than outlying rural areas. Repairs to bring 1000 people back online get done before those to restore just a couple of customers.

The Merritt on a rainy, Friday evening is so much better! The festive red lights everywhere really get you into the spirit of the season.