The last week has been really cold in the Bay Area. As in below freezing at night, frost on the windshield, and ice on the sidewalks. I’ve been so cold, I’ve taken to wearing a beanie and down puffer jacket — inside my house. I am just genetically not suited for cold weather. Heat? Humidity? Sure, I’ll take the tropics anyday. I don’t mind if there’s no air conditioning. Do you see how soft my skin is?
And still, my boys seem immune to the cold. They both insisted on wearing shorts to school. “But I have a jacket!” they both exclaimed, at separate times. My mangy little Meyer lemon tree is more covered up than my children are. The Chinese mother in me wants to bundle them up and feed them ginseng chicken soup. But I guess they have inherited the Northern European hardiness that enjoys brisk temperatures.
A few days ago, the 11-year-old actually asked for lip balm and gloves. But still no pants. He rides his bike to school at 7:30 in the morning, with a pack of boys who apparently like to skid out on the black ice. Sends shivers up my spine. This morning, he actually walked out of his room wearing a fresh pair of chinos, still creased from the store. I didn’t dare say anything, lest my approval jinx the situation.
Last night our heater stopped working. I’m hoping it’s just that the pilot went out and can be re-lighted today.
The good news is that tomorrow is forecasted to reach 61 degrees.
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