Growing up in Maine and living there the better part of 18 years did not prepare me for the winter cold in this town. Not that the temperatures drop to below zero like Maine temperatures do but that cold gets right into the cement walls and attack old bones. Probably attack young bones as well but mine aren't young any more. Before we moved here in 1985 we had air conditioner/heat units put in almost every room. These units are high up on the walls and you know that heat rises. I suspect the installers think we might need the ac more than the heat. But, they don't know me very well. I really do not like to be cold. I'd rather be sweating. Each room is heated separately which is a savings on your electric bill but going from room to room is like going from Florida to Alaska in a matter of opening a door. The damp is another thing. Our bathrooms are the rooms that do not have heaters and we have learned to keep the windows opened just a crack to avoid the dreaded mold on the walls because of built up humidity. Cold seating...that is all I will say about that!
Two items are saving me from the cold. The first was a suggested item by another American living in this town, a long sleeved undershirt. This undershirt has a woolen outer side and a cotton inner side. I wear one of these until the end of March. By then I am so tired of all these layers but I cannot live without it.
The second life saver vs the cold is a HOT WATER BOTTLE. Or more honestly several hot water bottles. My younger sister is a hot water bottle *maniac* and she clued me in to these. If I sit on the couch one of these is keeping me company. The hot water bottle does not come without risks. We put a couple in the bed before going to sleep to warm it up and a couple nights ago had a surprise leak...more than a leak ...the thing had burst and now there is a problem. OK, I can deal with this but I would not be without either the undershirt or hot water bottle! We bought a couple more and I am knitting a new sweater for the new *heater*!
2 comments:
For a far back as I can remember, our family have always used hot water bottles but then we need them here in England most of the year. Like your sister. I am also a hot water bottle "maniac" - at least that's what my husband would say. Yes, we too have our little mishaps from time to time with leaks when the rubber wears thin, but we try to see the funny side when this happens. For me, the benefits far outweigh the occasional inconvenience of a leak!
Jill
Hi Jill.......
When I saw your name pop up I thought it was my daughter. I agree that the benefits outweigh the occasional inconvenience.
Sharon
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