I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine

Have you connected deeply with a song? Some songs I know from just the first note. I have an affinity for the voices of Ella, Peggy Lee and Patti Page. “I don’t care if the sun don’t shine” is a personal favourite.

The sun contains a ray, they label vitamin D. If you like vitamin D, that’s quite alright with me. – Patti Page (1950)

I do like the sun. Particularly between 2-4pm when the rays come streaming into our guest room right across the bed. It’s the best afternoon nap ever!

When the sun reappears in the late spring, I work in time each day to be outdoors. Walking and gardening have been extremely comfortable in these cool temperatures, and I’m delighted for the soft rain (especially after planting seedlings).

What are the vitamin rays Patti sang about?

Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in liver and fish oils, and produced by our bodies when skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UVB) rays from sunlight.

Sunscreen is very important, but its purpose is to block UV rays. So do car windshields and many sunglasses. The great news is that you don’t need to be exposed long enough to tan or ever burn your skin to get a daily dose of vitamin D. It takes just a few minutes of basking in the sunshine before you slather up –  but first listen for the UV warnings on the news to know the daily exposure risks for a burn. Last week I had a burn across my collar bone after eating my lunch outside. After being cooped up inside all winter, I had forgotten all about that side of the sun.

Final thoughts

Do you enjoy being in the sun? What are your plans to get outside and feel the warmth of the sun?

AuthorBrooke Gordon

My name is Brooke and I love to cook, hence the nickname. I am passionate about eating for pleasure and nutrition, making jam, and supporting women who want to live a healthy life.