Day 1: It’s really hot in the kitchen. The thermostat reads 80 degrees. The oven has only been at 325 for a half hour though. Hey don’t those fan blades on the central a/c unit usually spin when it’s on?
Day 2: Oh joy. Service guy can come today.
Day 2, later: Oh sorrow. Service guy says 18-year-old air conditioner has resigned. Without notice, I might add.
Day 3: Enjoying life with the windows open. Crickets chirping and cool breezes last night; warm sun and fresh air today.
Day 3, later: Discover that house quickly becomes sticky when windows are closed during rainstorm.
Day 5: Begin to get estimates for new unit but still enjoying open windows (and hopefully lower electric bill).
Day 7: We have used the deck for outdoor dining more in seven days than we have in eight years.
Day 8: Uncontrollable sweating after running on treadmill in basement. And after putting up new drapery rods in dining room. Spent rest of evening sitting very still.
Day 9: Back to loving the open windows.
Day 14: Humidity on the rise. Flee to pool in morning. Spend late afternoon in basement. Pant heavily while ascending stairs to main level.
Day 18: Man, it’s hot. Go for run. More profuse sweating.
Day 19: Cross several undone to-do’s off list. Replace with sitting-still time.
Day 20: Wake up realizing I dreamed about ordering gelato for lunch. Head to basement but can’t muster more than a walk on the treadmill. Look at stack of dumbbells. Look away from stack of dumbbells.
Day 20, an hour later: Grimace at cup of hot coffee while stuffing slices of refreshing, cold cucumber in mouth.
Day 20, another hour later: Guys arrive to install new a/c. They’re dressed in flowing white robes with wings and a strange, glowing circle hovers above their heads. One has a harp. The other, a toolkit.
Day 20, early afternoon: A stream of cold air grazes the back of my neck from overhead. I am giddy.
Day 20, does it matter anymore?: Shutting windows.
