Psychology is interesting, innit?

TL;DR:
1) Mere exposure effect - liking things the more we're exposed to them.
2) Propinquilty effect - becoming closer to people we are physically closer to.

Perhaps it is because of number 2, that Palmie is like a family?
Hrmm.

Not-a-weather update: the sky is clear now, and all is well :)
The storm really helped to shoo away all the grey clouds!