Just when we thought we were beginning to detect a hint of autumn in the air, here comes summer again. Based on data from the local media, counting today, we will be up to 32 days of 90 degree-plus temperatures. In the 12 summers I have lived here, I can recall two years where we never even hit 90. That history led me to predict that I wouldn’t need air-conditioning this year. Did I ever tell you that, in the mid-nineties, I predicted the internet would be a big flop, because it would become too cumbersome? (Well, maybe the jury is still out on that one...)
Another factor in my optimistic weather forecast was the fact that my ancient central air-conditioner refused to start up on the last hot day of last summer. Our predicament was this: Do we spend about five grand to get it replaced, do we pour another couple hundred bucks down the drain after all the other money we have spent getting it fixed in the past and hope it makes it through the summer, or do we do nothing.
“Let’s see how it goes,” I told Amy. “We probably won’t even need it.”
After our first ninety degree day in late spring, she begged me to call A-C.
Patched up with a new set of relays and gobs of solder covered with black electrical tape, plus a fresh new charge of Freon, the old girl has performed admirably through one of the hottest summers in local history. I should go out there right now and kiss her compressor in appreciation. Hopefully, today will be the last day of our current heat wave and this will be the last spate of unbearable weather for the season. Hopefully, I will only have to start her up one last time, before the leaves start to swirl under the walnut tree and the deer start feasting on our mums.
Speaking of the weather, we have two interacting tropical storms headed in our general direction, Lee and Katia. Lee is headed for the gulf and Katia may run up the coast in similar fashion to Irene. One scenario has Lee dropping some much needed rain on us, while Katia belts New England. We win, they lose. The other possibility is that Lee misses us to the east and Katia heads harmlessly out to sea.
Frankly, I’d be willing to forego the rain in order to spare those folks another disaster. Having lived at one time or another in every state in New England and having spent many days of my childhood in that area of Upstate New York that is currently cut off from civilization, and still having relatives in both areas, I especially feel for them. I’d even take a couple more 90 degree days, if it would alleviate their suffering.
-vh
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