It seems only appropriate to be writing about my love for colder climates in the dead of summer and from the middle of the sunshine state. Oops, I guess that Sunshine State is really Florida, however, California is characterized as mostly sunny too, and is known as the Golden State. Close enough.
I’m a winter girl. I was born in January and have always preferred cold weather over sweltering heat. “Then why don’t you live in a more northern location where it’s always mild even in summer?” That’s a good question. I was born here though and, while having lived all over, including Asia and Europe, this is where I landed when my father retired. I am a native daughter.
But I don’t like summer, or perpetual sunshine, or less clothing over more, or summer’s propensity for droughts and wildfires.
Feeling this way about the heat of summer, it’s a good time to dream about cooler days and to luxuriate in unheated pools with a tall glass of iced tea. Once I’m in that place of coolness, I can think about what makes me stay here in the Golden State.
For most, the list of advantages of the summer heat outweighs the negative. I’m pretty sure I’m in the minority.
So, what’s a girl like me to do to enjoy during hot months of summer?
I did some research and asked around and came up with an excellent list of fun things to do when it’s hot, hot, hot. Many of these activities I’d never thought about. Perhaps you’ll get some new ideas to keep busy and have fun when the heat melts you. See if you agree. Evidently, it’s all about the weather that makes it more enjoyable to do outdoor activities or, when it gets too hot outside, to stay indoors doing other things.
If you can handle some heat, here are a few activities:
~take a scenic drive
~read a book under a tree in the shade
~go to garage sales or flea markets
~watch sunsets or sunrises
~check out outings for seniors at your local community center
More my speed:
If any amount of heat brings on lethargy and the sensation of no energy, consider the following:
~go ‘mall’ walking
~create and prepare ‘no-cook’ meals
~play online games, including Scrabble or chess
~connect with friends over FaceTime or Skype from inside your cool home
~ plan ahead for the holidays by putting together gift lists and organizing address books and cards
~ take in a movie, especially on a hot afternoon when the prices are lower and the air conditioning feels great!
~senior centers also offer a ton of strictly indoor activities such a trivia contests, ping pong, Mah jong, and art classes, and social hours
~ plan ahead for the holidays and organize family gifts of photos or a memory book
~staying indoors where it’s cool is a great time to get organized. Slowly go through closets or files to clean out items to keep, donate, or toss.
How do you feel about the heat of summer as opposed to the colder winter months? Are you more of a strictly indoors person when it’s hot, or will you brave the heat outdoors for specific events? What activities do you enjoy when it’s so darned hot??
In the meantime, you can probably find me right here … indoors.
I’m right there with you, sister! When we were younger, summer was the best time, but now? It’s just getting hotter, and in my area, the threat of fires is now year-round. I’d love to live somewhere that stays in the 70s or below year-round (take me to the coast)!
I love your suggestions for beating the heat, and yes, organizing and going to the movies tops my list.
So glad you recall our younger days, Laurie, when we never thought much about how hot it was. We were outdoors and free! Perhaps it’s age and climate change that have impacted that youthful gaiety. Whatever it is, I’m glad to know I’m in good company with those like you who appreciate a cooler climate — whether indoors or at the coast. Cheers, my friend, and thanks for reading.