WEATHER IT

“Whether it’s cold or whether it’s hot, there’s going to be weather whether or not.” True, but when it’s 105+ degrees every day of the week, that’s SOME weather!

Living in Arizona, people make the lame excuse, “But it’s a dry heat,” and, the equally lame rejoinder is, “Yes, but it’s kind of like sticking your head in an oven.” However, with the promise of monsoon rains, the rising humidity makes it feel more like sticking your head in a hot dishwasher.

 So, what’s the remedy if you want air other than air conditioning? The only feasible answer is to set your alarm clock to 4:30 a.m., get your butt out of bed, and be outside as soon as it gets light enough that you can avoid a rattlesnake on the path.  Admittedly, when I was younger, I could be ready to rock and roll in about 15 minutes. Now, it takes me an hour. No short cuts. It takes me an hour. However, I am not the only person suffering a touch of insanity. I do enjoy the company of my fellow early bird regular walkers. They are a cheerful bunch of masked wonders.

I usually meet up with beautiful, Tina, a 79-year-old youngster, who has already jogged her 4 miles, and slows down to accommodate my short legs. I still have to take 2 steps for every one of hers. Then there’s the fellow who climbs up a steep hill, so he can bowl rocks down. So far, he hasn’t hit me because he bowls gutter rocks.

I particularly enjoy the little dogs who drag their masters behind them. One tiny pup wants me to pet her, and is so excited to see me that she pees on the sidewalk. Then there’s the  roll- over for a tummy rub (the dog not the owner.) One extremely intelligent woman always crosses the road, so no one will breathe on her, but that is understandable, since several folks begin panting heavily after walking uphill. I do so look forward to seeing these neighbors, because it’s nice to have something positive to look forward to during these COVID-19 days.

To re-enter the building, we all have to ring the lobby doorbell, and unless he’s in the bathroom, the guard lets us in. Then he thumps everyone on the head with a thermometer and sends us on our way. Later in the morning, someone from the concierge desk will call to inquire about my health. Other than driving my car for 30 minutes once a week, I have not been anywhere since March 15th. However, I get additional exercise in the community pool (one person at a time) for 45 minutes a day.  I am getting used to having it all to myself and kind of like that. I do Yoga in my living room. Also, I was happy to dance along with Gene Kelly.  He was in the rain, and I was in my kitchen.

I have also found other creative outlets, but more about that later.  In the meantime, it’s a good idea to count your blessings. I do that everyday, and many of you are among mine.  Be well.  Keep laughing, and remember that life is truly ridiculous.

Esther Blumenfeld