By Jane Lotter

One of my favorite exhibits at the Museum of History and Industry is the diorama depicting Seattleıs first white settlers landing at Alki Beach in November 1851. Itıs raining and the women settlers are crying because theyıve just been told by the men that David Denny ‹ who got there some weeks earlier ‹ has built a cabin but neglected to roof it. Heıd hurt his foot, but thatıs no excuse.

The women were so wet their sunbonnets were flopping over into their faces. (Sunbonnets. Thereıs a fashion accessory that would quickly prove superfluous in Seattle.) Can you imagine what these poor women were saying to Mr. Denny? ³David, honey, hereıs a tip: Next time put a roof on it!²

Anyway, itıs my theory that these tearful, rain-drenched women were actually suffering from the fall/winter depression we here in the Northwest know all too well as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. (Okay, okay. There may have been a PMS thing going on with some of these gals, too, but thatıs another story.)

The pioneers, male and female, are long gone, but SAD is here to stay. Think maybe you yourself have a touch of SAD? Of course you do! To prove it, take this little test.

1. Once the Seattle rains set in, I have trouble getting out of bed before...
a) Anyone else in the house is up;
b) My alarm goes off;
c) The Fourth of July.

2. On cold, dark days, I love putting on an old sweater and curling up next to...
a) A roaring fire;
b) My cat;
c) My psychotherapist.

3. Complete the following word or phrase: Mood...
a) Ring;
b) Music;
c) Swing.

4. I canıt help it. On gloomy days, I find myself seriously questioning the point of...
a) Life;
b) My job;
c) Lawn furniture.

5. I hate to see...
a) Inattentive drivers;
b) Poor table manners;
c) De evıninı sun go down.

6. I find I can sometimes chase away the blues by watching an old Marx Brothers movie and eating a big bowl of...
a) Cereal;
b) Popcorn;
c) Prozac.

7. No matter how much I fight it, in the winter months I always end up wearing...
a) A few extra pounds;
b) A long face;
c) Light therapy goggles.

8. Iıve learned from painful experience that, at this time of year, itıs best for me to avoid...
a) Romantic entanglements;
b) Sentimental films or plays;
c) Straight razors.

9. Itıs silly, I know, but when suffering from SAD I have a constant craving for...
a) Chocolate;
b) Carbohydrates;
c) A one-way ticket to Barbados.

10. The fact that they are victims of Seasonal Affective Disorder would certainly explain why so many Seattle residents...
a) Complain about the weather;
b) Drink a lot of coffee;
c) Voted for Paul Schell.

Jane Lotter is a Maple Leaf resident.