The morning is so humid I sweat when I walk. It is not a pretty picture. The day is overcast, and it is still a bit foggy. Currently it is only 74˚but as we say around here it isn’t the heat but the humidity. I have to go out later. The dump is calling.

Yesterday I finished my laundry hauling three loads up two floors. I cleaned the cats’ room, my daily chore. I cleaned up the glass of tea I hit which spread all over the table and the newspapers. I also cleaned in and around the animal treats when I knocked one of the containers off the shelf. I picked up what broke and the treats on the floor. Going down one step at a time, I brought the storm door to the cellar. It was so heavy I had to keep stopping, but at least the screen is in the front door giving the house some fresh air. The backdoor screen needs to be repaired. I whacked my hand on the door knocker, and it hurt. I sat on the stairs, covered my eyes and moaned. Nala came over and gave me a hug. That was the best part of the day.

When I was a kid, I don’t think I ever really noticed the heat or the humidity. Nothing stopped me from enjoying summer days. Sweat was just one of those things. I didn’t ever give it much thought. I’d even used my blouse to dry my hair. I got grimy. Yesterday, I relived my childhood and got grimy. It wasn’t anywhere near as pleasant.

Africa was hot. The first blast of heat hit me when I exited the plane upon my arrival. I lived in the hottest part of the country. 100˚ was a dry season average, but I was still young enough to abide the heat without a fan. I even took a nap sometimes in the afternoon when many things, including the post office, closed for a couple of hours during the hottest part of the day. My students had a rest period in the dorms which all had to abide. During the hottest nights, I slept outside on the concrete in my yard on the mattress from my bed. A cold shower was a welcome end to every day.

When I first moved into my house, I often slept downstairs during the summer. A southern breeze came through the back door. I slept well. Now, I’m far older, and the heat and I do not abide each other. I started with a bedroom window air conditioner and a while back I air conditioned my whole house. I hate getting sweaty and grimy, but here I am getting ready to load my car for the dump. The heat has made me crazed.