It is sometimes funny to think about: when people are striking up conversations, the weather is likely at the top of the list. And if you phone a friend or family member, it is likely the topic of the weather will come up sooner rather than later.

But why not? The weather rules us more than we may realize.

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” –Mark Twain

It seems that at this time of year, we get all kinds of weather. We may see temperatures in the mid-70s one day and the very next day we are getting snow showers.

The next day, we can see severe thunderstorms or even tornadoes nearby, and then, immediately afterward, we can go back to the sunshine and warmer weather.

In the spring, we experience the different winters, such as dogwood or blackberry winter. We really understand cold snaps, living in Appalachia.

Naturally, we decide what types of clothes we need to wear based on the weather conditions. If it is cold, we are likely to layer up, wear sweaters or sweatshirts and make sure we have coats, gloves, a scarf and a toboggan cap. If it is spring, we should have a light jacket at least for the morning hours, but we are likely to shed it by the afternoon. In the summer, it is time for short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, short pants and flip-flops. Come autumn, it is back to warmer clothes.

Of course, if you are into sports like me and many others, weather plays a major role. With baseball and softball, especially in this region, we never know what we might get in the way of temperatures and precipitation. It could even be snowing early in the season. We may get a lot of rain-outs midway through the slate, and then by the end of the season, it is hot, humid and dusty.

The start of football season sees practicing and playing in the hot, humid days of August and September. As the schedule progresses, it starts to get cooler. Then by the end of the season, everyone is bundling up for cold, rain and even snow in the final games and playoffs.

Those who like the outdoors and love to hunt and fish often depend on the weather forecast. Some old-timers would not fish at certain times, depending on the weather.

For those who work outside, like in construction or other outdoor occupations, it is the same thing. You never know if you will be able to work or how to dress for the day.

Of course, all of you farmers and gardeners very much depend on the weather. You hope for some rain for your crops, but not too much. Then you want some sunshine, but not enough to burn everything up. You dread a late frost that could kill your tender plants like tomatoes and banana peppers. You are definitely at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Many old-timers even plant their crops according to the Almanac and the signs they see in nature. They swear by this and you would never change their minds.

The weather definitely rules the way we live. So it is only natural that we discuss it every day.

In this region, we seem to experience a little of everything – especially in the springtime. It could be 75 degrees one day and 32 the next. We could get a week of rain, wind and storms and then a week of hot and dry weather.

In eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, we have experienced flash floods and terrible river flooding that we still talk about to this day. I am sure most of you remember the 1977 flood.

Just recently we had a rash of tornadoes hit the region and cause lots of damage.

The first thing most of us do when we get up in the morning is look outside to see what is going on in regards to the weather. Is it raining? Do I need a jacket or coat or umbrella when I walk the dog?

The Appalachian region receives crazy weather patterns. It sure gets all four seasons, with some of them trespassing over into the other from time to time.

And I’ll close with another Mark Twain quote on the weather: “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”

Until next time, be prepared for any kind of weather.

(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)