There is something so comforting about the tick of the heat vent coming alive on a cold, dark January— when winter decides to come back with a vengeance after a short period of North Carolina springlike weather.
Ahhhh… heat spews out sumptuous warmth from the HVAC system set at a perfect 68 degrees Fahrenheit —which allows you to wear season appropriate attire without gasping for breath as I do in my parents home because my father enjoys wearing shorts all year round.
I think a purposeful attempt to show off his George Hamiltonesque perma-tanned legs. Just joking, Poppy.
Don’t get me wrong. I like to be warm, but not smothered Tahitian style in the middle of winter.
Hold the Pina Colada. We’ll leave that for the dog days of August.
Give me a warm cup of coffee or hot ginger tea instead.
Admittedly, I run warmer than most due to my aged-40-something hormones. I ask my people to adhere to my temperature requirements.
My poor husband who is tallish and has 0% body fat, walks around shivering with a hoodie pulled tightly overhead. But alas, he doesn’t rebel.
Bless him.
He just grabs a blanket and carries on.
But I digress, back to the sound of warm air blowing through the duct like a lullaby sung to a child in their bed.
Snug as a bug.
Hypnotic.
I say, “Hand me a quilt, some Netflix and pass the Swiss Miss!”
Who is with me?!
Wishing you all cozy nights and warm toes this winter.
Alison Paul Klakowicz
Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog 