Regarding dreary winter skies; I was born in the south (Va.) but I've lived in Florida for almost 50 years now and I remember many years ago my sister in law (she's lived her entire life in the Syracuse N.Y. area) telling me that in winter they sometimes go four or five months without seeing the sun!
I thought she was exaggerating but I've heard similar from others in that part of the country. It seems so bizarre to me; I can't even imagine having cloudy skies for days on end, much less months! It sure makes me understand the disorder called "SAD" (Seasonal Affective Disorder)! It would be so depressing to have cloudy, dreary skies for such a length of time and if it's COLD too ... oh my!