Brrr….

Summer is upon us.  And in this era of climate change, our first excessive heat wave, with triple digit heat indices and/or temps was raging before the official start of summer had barely begun.

As someone whose body doesn’t sweat properly and therefore is more prone to overheating in such conditions (see previous blog post, Start the Car), this does not bode well for me.  However, I know what to do, and am prepared.

Light weight cotton or linen or anything breathable and loose clothing. Check.

Pony tail holder to keep hair up. Check.

Sun hat or visor. Check.

Bottle of water. Check.

Cooling towel. Check.

Water spray/fan combo bottle. Check.

Sweater. Check.

Sweater, you ask? Did you read that right, you ask?

Yes, yes, you did.  Sweater.  A lightweight, white cotton cardigan sweater from Old Navy. 

Why, you may ask?

Because even though it’s a million degrees outside and conditions are right for me to pass out from heat stroke, walk into any store and it’s like walking into Antarctica.

I went to Giant the other day for some groceries and the transition from heat index of 105 to sub-zero artic conditions hit me like a ton of bricks.  I was shivering in no time.  But fortunately, I had my sweater and couldn’t put it on fast enough.

I looked around me though and didn’t see anyone else too fazed by the conditions.  Is it just me? My aging body? I am starting to look a little granny-like with the sweater.  Especially when I don’t put my arms through the sleeves and just have it buttoned at the top, draped over my shoulders.  The only other thing I need to complete this picture is my granny reading glasses chain (and y’all know I have one, see previous blog post, Where Are My Reading Glasses).

And I have found it’s not just Giant, but any retail store.  Aren’t they concerned about bottom-line profitability and don’t they realize they could save a few bucks if they turn up the thermostat a bit more? Cool is great.  I like cool.  I want cool.  But like, 74 degrees would suit me just fine, not the 32 degrees  it feels like they have it set to.  And not only would they save a few bucks, but wouldn’t it be better for the environment too?  Less energy use, and/or whatever else running AC does to the environment?

Meanwhile, my lightweight, white, cotton sweater from Old Navy has become like an additional appendage to my body. Or maybe, kind of like the Amex Card.

Don’t leave home without it.