Wet winter is worse than dry winter. Although I have seen flip-flops here in NC all winter, too, BUT it was only a short walk from the car into the store. I bet their homes are heated to 78*. Mine? right now 67. It’s raining and cold. No bad weather, just bad clothes.
I worked with a guy from Minnesota. Their winter is my kind of winter just as the Texas summer is my kind of summer. Dry heat is much more bearable. Was down there for a week (long ago) and it was the first time I enjoyed the heat. I have considered moving down (favorite accent and lots of horses) and my aunt and uncle loved it (Army) but it hasn’t happened yet. Wyoming or Alaska are my top state choices as to where I would like to die. LOL
At 40 and above, the door is cracked for the furbabies and the heater is off. I’d rather brave the cold than have to let them in and out and in and out and in and out every 5 minutes.