I have decided that the seasons are a bit different here in northwest Washington than in other places we have lived. In Montana and the Dakotas we experienced a phenomena that we often called “false spring.” It was a bit of mild weather that came when we knew that there was more winter weather in store. It could warm to daytime nights nearing 60 degrees Fahrenheit. We shed our jackets, caught up on a bit of outdoor work, and even allowed ourselves some short day hikes, knowing that there would likely be mud from melting snow. In the back of our minds, however, we remembered that it was most likely that there would be more snow and even several more blizzards yet to come.

Here, I think that we are experiencing something more like “early spring.” It isn’t quite the same as “false spring” because we might be through with snowy weather. It isn’t that it has never snowed here in late February or early March, but there have been plenty of times that once February is past so is the possibility of significant snow. Even then, “significant snow” around here is not the kind of snow that we used to experience in other places where we lived. The roads get a bit slippery and the schools cancel classes and folks stay home, but it is a long ways from the big blizzards we have experienced in other places where we have lived.

As we have adjusted to the milder weather, I have noticed that I may have developed a lower tolerance for cold. I remember that we had a rule, when I was a kit growing up, that we had to wear a jacket if the temperature outside was below 50 degrees. Above 50 degrees we were allowed to go out in our shirt sleeves and we did. For most of my life, I’ve felt that a sweatshirt is sufficient for days when the temperature is in the 40s and 50s. Yesterday when we went for our walk it was in the low 50s and I wore my jacket zipped up with a stocking cap and gloves. I think I may be getting wimpy.

As a result, I have hung onto the parka that I wore when going out in South Dakota winters. It is a very nice, heavy coat that goes down over my hips. It has an insulated hood and zips up tightly to keep out the cold. I’ve worn it comfortably when it was -20. With a pair of insulated bib coveralls beneath it and a good pair of boots, I’m ready for very cold temperatures. The first winter we lived out here, it never got cold enough for me to need that parka. I considered donating it to an agency that gets good clothes to people with need, but somehow decided to keep it. Now in our third winter, I find I get that coat out and wear it when temperatures are in the 20s. I probably am getting wimpy.

I got that parka at a church rummage sale. I don’t remember what it cost me, but I think it was around $5. It isn’t genuine Carhartt, but rather the imitation second line that you can buy at Tractor Supply and other outlets. Nonetheless, it is a sturdy coat with lots of pockets and plenty of warm insulation.

I like jackets and coats and have quite a few, but I’ve never spent much money on outerwear. I used to joke that I was 25 years old before I owned a coat that didn’t say John Deere on the back. When I was a kid, they didn’t sell John Deere clothing in stores. We had it because my dad was a John Deere dealer. We wore clothing that advertised our company. I didn’t mind it. Now, a couple of those jackets and caps are sought-after prizes that our son and grandson proudly wear. I’m not one to spend a lot of money on a jacket.

So it surprised me when I read in the Washington Post about a string of armed robberies where the robbers stole parkas. The sought-after parkas are ones made by the Canada Goose company. You’ve probably seen those extreme weather expedition parkas in videos of trips to Antartica, or polar regions in northern Canada and beyond. They usually sport double closures and often have fur around the hood. They look like they are good for extreme weather. They also look expensive. I’ve never had the need for one, but after reading about the thefts, I looked up the company website, where I could purchase one of those parkas for a mere $1,695. The web site assures me that although the company used to use coyote fur for the hoods, they no longer do so and that all of the materials for the coats are humanely and sustainably sourced. The web site has a whole page of parkas available. The lowest price I saw was $1,295. They also sell coats priced at $1,850. No worries, I won’t be shopping at that web site. I have no need of a coat that costs more than I paid for the first car I owned. Admittedly the website sells new clothing and I bought a used car. On the other hand, I see no problem with used clothing. I enjoy shopping at church rummage sales.

The article about the clothing robberies noted that Canada Goose is a growing company with sales trending upwards. The company’s revenues topped a billion dollars last year. Even at prices over a thousand dollars, that it a lot of coats. I also read that a man in England was mugged for his Canada Goose jacket that was a knock off. Perhaps it isn’t even safe to wear the look alike brand.

Stealing is wrong. Armed robbery is worse and leaves trauma scars on the victims. It makes sense to do what you can do to avoid it if possible. I recommend avoiding expedition parkas unless you really are going on an expedition. It is possible to stay warm in a coat from a second hand store. And so far, I haven’t noticed any stories about robberies where the victim lost a Carhartt knock off. I hope it stays that way.