Liz Logic

Thermostat Phobia

Unlike what we had been warned about, the month of July in Pennsylvania has been wonderful when it comes to the weather.  There have been a few hints of humidity and now we are told - just wait until August.    

 Yesterday we spent several hours walking around the campus of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia with our grandson.  This is one of the colleges he has on his "possibility" list as Sept. will start  his senior year in high school (how did that happen?).  It did turn out to be a hot day and walking stairs in dorms and classrooms proved an aerobic workout.  I never knew that parts of Philadelphia were built on hills and this was one.  I expected to see statues of Romulus and Remus. It seemed we spent most of the time walking up - I'm sure we walked down too but the up is carved in my mind.

I mentioned to my husband that I would like to turn on the air for awhile when we got home to which my daughter and SIL wondered why is wasn't already on.  Ah, you mean you are not suppose to wait until the living room feels like a sauna before you take a few minutes to cool it down?  Wow- we got a tutorial on how much more power is used trying to cool down what has been super warmed.  We are suppose to keep it set at a realistic temperature and let the thermostat take care of it.

Now this could cause a trauma.  Some of you must remember how President Johnson use to walk through the white house turning off lights to save electricity.  Well, I truly believe that my husband channels the president. You will rarely find a light on in a room in our home if there is no reason for it - like trying to move through without bumping into something or tripping over something.  Reading does allow for a designated lamp.

So we must try to grasp the use of the thermostat in the summer.  I know he does not let the house turn into an ice palace in the winter before the heat goes on even though sometimes it feels like it to me.    Also we had a wonderful little wood stove to "take the chill" off in Maine.

But that was Maine and this is Pennsylvania.  If you should come to visit us this summer - we will be easy to find as in this lovely,fairly large senior complex, we will be in the only apartment with the windows open.

        

RAISING CANE

Nope - I didn't spell it wrong.  Many years ago (actually seems like yesterday) I may have "raised cain" once in awhile but I don't think my parents ever knew it.  Raising cain is sort of like raising hell only more acceptable - I guess.  But that was back when white bucks were the thing - I may be a gramma but give me my CROCS now.

Our senior lifestyle in our new digs is turning out quite enjoyable.  We have no time to sit in the rocking chair (although I'd like to once in a while). 

One of my newest adventures is singing in a group of residents that entertains here and at other adult communities in the area.  Rehearsals may be suspect at times but performances usually work out well.  Yesterday we all took a trip into Philadelphia to sing for a "sister complex".  The 9 woman wear red and gold print blazers over black slacks and tops that coordinate with the 9 men's gold and red print vests over black trousers, white shirts and black bow ties.  I'd say a pretty sharp group (do I dare say for our age).

We do our best to present our best in a "let us entertain you" way.

After the well received performance, we accepted the ovation followed by cookies and lemonade refreshments and individual thanks.  (As a side note:  Just because we are in our 70's and 80's, we really do not need our taste buds to be shocked into gear by alternating bites of sweet cookies with sips of sour lemonade.)

As I went to collect my pocketbook, this lovely lady stopped me to say how much she enjoyed the show.  The music was wonderful but there was one thing that truly amazed her.  By now I was pretty pumped up.  Thank you - what was the amazing part? Ready -

"NONE OF US USED A CANE"

The gush of air that followed was the sound of my ego being punctured.

I know that we have problems once in awhile getting smoothly up and down between songs but I guess we should be happy that no canes are needed and if they should be in the future, we will go on entertaining with gusto and if necessary have fun raising cane.