The Joy Of Not Using The AC

In Summer's past, I would put on the AC as soon as the temperature reached the 80's. This year I've opted to use a fan and open as many windows and doors as I can. I've been pleasantly surprised by how I'm enjoying life without the AC. I can smell and hear the sounds of summer instead of hearing the AC going. Today as I sat here quietly listening to soft music with both doors opened and the kitchen and DR windows opened, a memory came to me of summers in my hometown. It was a pleasant, nostalgic memory. When we were growing up, nobody was lucky enough to have central AC. People opened windows, used fans, waded in ankle deep pools or ran under the sprinkler to cool off. When the grass was being watered, you ran through the sprinkler. When Mom watered the flowers, we put on our bathing suits and she watered us too so that we had some relief from the heat of the day. The water from the hose was very cold as I remember. It was quite refreshing on a hot summer day. In the evening after supper, we'd be outside while Mom and Dad sat on the porch. Everyone else's Mom and Dad would come outside each evening also. It was cooler outside than in the house. Neighbors would visit neighbors while the kids played or rode bikes on the street. What fun we had! I wished for a minute or two that those days were not gone. What a sweet memory of a happy childhood. I'm sure I'll be reminded of those days again as I try to live without the AC this summer. I know that the temperatures will get to me when they hit the 90's and it's very humid. I'll give in and turn on the air. I prefer welcoming the outside in in the summer, instead of shuting out the summer air. Here's to the summers of our childhood and our youth. May they continue to live in our memory and bring back the joy of those days gone by.