It will be 9 months before I feel warm again. Much of that will be grey or dark and/or cold. I’m a warm weather person stuck in a region which is cold much of the time. It makes me miserable.

Perhaps you should consider taking vacations during the winter months. And though I'm unsure as to your personal situation, a network of friends could put you up for a few days at a time. Seems doable as you always seem to have people around you. I know you didn't drive yourself to the GC.