To help with transportation and errand needs during my stay in Florida during the time Mom is in the hospital, my sister, Joyce and her husband generously offered the use of a car that is kept in their winter home about a half hour drive from my parents’ residence. I am glad, grateful and relieved to have an extra set of wheels. There was even a full tank of gas. It’s an Intrepid, a solid car and rock steady to drive. I took to it right away. It’s the same car her husband accidentally ran himself over in, but we won’t go into that. We all have these stories.
Unfortunately, as I drove the car from their house back to the home of my parents (about 30 minutes) with the air conditioner going full blast, I was trying to talk myself into believing that it was only because it was 1,000 degrees outside that it just seemed like the air wasn’t getting cooler in the car. But Dad, an ex-refrigeration serviceman, and wise in the way of these things, exclaimed when we drove to the hospital later:
“This air conditioner isn’t working! It’s hot in here!”
In case you did not know, it is bloody hot in south Florida in August. I suffer a mild case of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) not during the winter months when there is less sunlight, but instead when each summer approaches with its weeks of hazy, hot, humid days. The heat is like a great hand pressing my face into the earth. I lose interest in my surroundings. I don’t feel like doing anything and tend to headaches and irritability. I hate peeling my clothes off my sweaty, sticky body.
I really, really hate the heat.
So by the standards of the Universe, it seems totally appropriate that I should be driving an un-air-conditioned car in south Florida in August. Whatever it is that I need to learn, I had better do it fast before my body is nothing more than a puddle in the driveway.
If you will excuse me, I am going to get some ice cubes for my glass of wine, which has also suddenly become:
TOO HOT.
OakintheSeed 
Heat by itself is not too bad. It’s when you throw humidity into the mix! I’m with you. Hate peeling my clothes off. I hate getting out of the shower and drying off only to be just as wet as ever when I’m finished. Glad I live in the west. Give me western, dry heat anytime over eastern humid heat!
I know you are suffering from the heat, but this is a pretty funny post from someone so miserable. Hurry home, it is positively chilly here.
How do you maintain a sense of humor in that awful heat? Being a fellow ” summer SAD sufferer “,I now hold you in higher esteem than ever before , and that is saying something!Please drive your father’s air conditionned car , eat lots of ice cream , and always drink your wine with ice while there. Look forward to birding with you in full winter gear. Suzanne
I remember Florida in August. My parents lived in Naples for a while. And I remember doing what you’re doing right now, with the hospital routine. You’re a good daughter. It means so much to your folks that you are there. And all the ice cream that you want really helps. I’ll be thinking of you, my friend, and hoping that your mom will be home soon.