Remember When 102 Was Hot?

I used to live in Southern California. Where it was hot. And when I say hot, I mean over 100 degrees hot. The kind of hot that melts your butt and makes it stick to the seats. The kind of hot that makes you want to sell your soul for a few minutes in an air-conditioned anything. The kind of hot that causes you to accidentally wander into the walk-in freezer at the liquor store.  And then stay there for a few minutes while you get your bearings.

We moved to Monterey eight years ago.  Monterey, where "hot" is anything over 70 degrees.  I scoffed at this when we first arrived.  I carried a sweater with me in the summer.  You know, because to SoCal peeps, anything below 70 degrees is Uggs weather.

Well.  That has all changed.  My daughter got married on June 20 a couple of years ago and it was the hottest day on record for the little coastal town of Pacific Grove.  A whopping 83 degrees.  I, and all the other wedding guests, were sweating like it was the tropics.  Forget fancy hair, we were lucky to be alive in the scorching sun.  If you look at wedding photos, everyone has that face they make when they just want to get out of the sun and into the car where they can blast the a/c on the freezer setting.  Just take the damn picture!

We are in for a heat-wave this week.  The weatherman is sending out those old people and dogs warning because it is going to get up to 75 degrees by the beach.  Prayer chains are being sent out for those who suffer from heat exhaustion.  Cooling stations are being set up for the homeless.  The vendors are stocking up on the hats and sunscreen and those fancy little hand-held fans that spray water.  Anything to keep us cool.

Remember when 102 was hot?  I find myself scouring my closet for the natural fibers and loose clothes.  I am foregoing my embarrassment over flabby arms and pulling out the sleeveless tops.  Hey, I might be able to actually create a breeze if I flap my elbows a bit.  I'm ready.  Bring on the heat.

Have you seen my big floppy hat?  I'm going to need it.