MY WEATHER RANT FOR JUNE

(and a gratitude)

There is something wrong with the weather. I go to bed, too warm, hope the a/c (now on its last legs) will keep things comfy overnight. I keep a lightweight cover nearby. Make sure my summer-weight pjs are clean. So far, so good. All is well until a little after midnight. Then I start to notice I'm chilly. Grab a cover--a/c not running--feet feeling like blocks of ice. When I realize my nose is cold, I'm up, out of bed, grabbing whatever additional cover is handy. My alarm clock (which knows all) tells me the temp is in the nose-chilling range.

By the time I get warmed up a little (the extra covers are doing their job very nicely), I can drop off again. The alarm wakes me (if I've remembered to set it) and I see there's light outside--a lot of light. Definitely morning. My room is cool, but not cold. Hall is warmer. Kitchen warmer. Coffee will revive me. I think things are going well.

Then warmer becomes really warm. As the sun makes its way around the house (I know, the sun doesn't really move)--every room warms up. A lot. The a/c unit wheezes and groans (it is not a hundred years old, but it acts like it) and tries its best to keep the temp comfortable. I start taking off layers of clothes.

By the time the day is thoroughly established, say, ten AM, the house is not just warm, it's hot. The weather app on my phone calmly announces high temps today. And for the next day. AND the next!

Now I'm not complaining about the hot weather. Not exactly. It's nearly summer, after all. But what I am having trouble with is the nighttime lows--highs in the day time of 80s; lows at night in the 50s.

It has occurred to me (often) that I live in the wrong place. Then I realize that I've lived in northeast Indiana for over 60 years and I don't remember this yo-yo weather lasting so long.

If you've read this far--and if you have a solution that you know will work, please let me know. I've done my part and ordered a new a/c unit, which is supposed to be installed next week. If I live through that, I'll let you know. I also have floor fans and ice-cold water.

THE GRATITUDE - As much as I rant about the weather (like, 24/7), I am grateful that our weather does not include the word "dangerous" or "threatening." I don't go to bed with one ear cocked for the tornado siren, signalling immediate action. I'm not in the path of wildfires or tsunamis. And beyond all that, I am grateful that my local heating and a/c guys are scheduled for next week to upgrade my cooling system to 21st Century standards. Could be worse, right?

Until next time--hope you're keeping comfortable with this abominable weather (just my opinion). And I wish you all the blessings you so richly deserve.

Thursday's Child