The Preferred Community
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The Preferred Community |
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Week One, 2008 3 Jan 08 Old Man Winter pays a visit! Page #1 When I awoke this morning, it was 29 degrees here in Prattville. Winter is finally here! Yep, it was cold. Our heater was running in overdrive. I had to go into the hall closet and pick out an Auburn coat that I don't wear that often, only when it's really cold. It felt good when I put it on, all nice and warm and thick. When I went outside, I realized that my upper half was taken care of but my lower half, clad in Wrangler Jeans, left me wondering if I should have broken out the old long johns. It was as cold as yesterday, only the wind wasn't as bad. My Dad used to say, "It's cold enough so that you know exactly where the Fruit of the Looms edge off." Even if I couldn't feel cold at all, my Chevy Truck tells me it's cold. My power steering acts up when it's too cold to drive and today it was really complaining. I've always heard that we need at least 5 consistent days of temperatures under 30 degrees in order to kill off most of the annoying bugs that we would otherwise have to deal with next summer. That may or may not be true but I have learned that going through a 100 year drought where our annual rainfall levels dropped down by nearly 20 inches has a big effect on the bugs and the grass, and my ability to do yard work consistently. It's been a hard year with record setting temperatures this past summer, no rain to speak of, and now having a cold front freeze everything in an instant. Just last week, we saw temps in the lower 70s. What is going on with this weather? Anyway, Winter is here and we have to deal with it. I'm going to give you a few tips to help you get through it without losing your head. When it's cold outside, I get cold inside. I mean my body starts to slow freeze. I stay cold all the time, especially when I have to get up out of a warm bed, get out of the shower, or leave a building with man-made heat! I've devised several remedies for my aliments and here they are. 1. Getting out of a warm bed is very hard for some of us. You can either stay in bed or before you go to bed, put the clothes you plan to wear at the foot of the bed so you can reach them and get dressed for your day under the covers where it's still warm. This will prevent you from getting too cold once you get up. This option is only available if you get your shower or bath the night before! See #2 for information about the bath. 2. Find out how much hot water your water heater holds. (Notice that I didn't use the Southern term, "Hot Water Heater") Now turn on only the hot water and let it run in the shower for what you figure is approximately half of the heater's capacity. You have to be careful in your rithmatic here or you'll wind up cold and soapy. When the bathroom is all foggy and you can't see for more than a few feet, it's time to get in the water. Go through your normal showering or bathing routine and exit the water. Now you won't be cold. In fact, you'll probably have to open the door for more air before you can even dry off. 3. If you have long johns, wear them everywhere you go! Don't figure or plan, just put them on. It's far better to be a little warm or uncomfortable than to freeze. Dress in layers. Tee shirt first, then long sleeve pull-over, then your button down with collar. No one will know that you have on three shirts and it will pay off when the wind is blowing. Wear a COAT! Not a jacket or a sweater, a COAT! That is what they are made for. I know it's hard to reach back to get the seat belt on with all of those clothes on, but at least you'll be warm while you are struggling. 4. Drink warm drinks, not cold sodas! Get some coffee or hot tea. Your core temp will rise and help keep your walkers and cheeseburger grabbers warmer! This is a fact and not some wise tale. Drinking plenty of water during cold snaps will also prevent dry, itchy, and scaly skin. You know who you are!
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