
[Footbridge at Gallup Park, Ann Arbor; 7/28/07]
Unlike my condo, which had central air (albeit rather weakly functioning), our apartment doesn't have air conditioning at all except for the window unit I installed in my bedroom. I do use the window unit at night, which helps me sleep, but otherwise we make do with window fans and the cross breezes from all the windows that line the four sides of the apartment. Except for the really hot and humid days, it feels quite comfortable and I enjoy the feel of "real" air. Of course I'm lucky to work all day in an air conditioned office, fortunately one that's not overly cold. During my visit to see my folks, I was freezing much of the time - restaurants blew frigid blasts over us, movie theaters did the same, and in my dad's little apartment there was no way to escape the air vent that continually blew cold air over the futon in the living room where I slept. Living as I do now, I wear lightweight summer clothing and I forgot to bring anything heavier than a thin hoodie sweatshirt on my trip. Much as I am grateful for the "chill zone" of my bedroom at night and the cooled and dried air that lets me work comfortably in the office all day, I sometimes wish we could enjoy summer the old-fashioned way - slowing down, sitting outdoors in the shade of a tree or on our porches sipping a cold drink, and wearing light clothing instead of bundling up in heavy sweaters.
After returning from my visit and getting a good night's sleep, I'm enjoying being home again, and spending my weeknights after work just chilling out with a good book.

















