This was the first formal Saturday with The Ravishing Mrs. TB present.
For some reason known only to my circadian rhythm, I will often sleep later on Saturday mornings if given a chance. I have no specific understanding why this happens, whether it is my body trying to catch up on missed slumber (although I try to hit the 2100-2200 bedtime slot as much as I can). Blackout curtains probably help that as well as I cannot clearly tell if it is 0500 or 0800 unless I open them. They are effective, which is a huge improvement from almost a year ago when I first moved in and the best I had were Venetian blinds to block the light.
Mornings at this time of year cold, from what I gather - even with the morning we had on Saturday where it was relatively sunny. The lack of central heat in our apartment is duly noted: here on my own it would easily be 56 F in the morning when I got up. That has changed as well with the arrival of The Ravishing Mrs. TB and the more frequent use of the heater we bought, probably for the better as warm is generally better than cold.
I make my cup of coffee and sit down to read against the background of the actual natural light, something I am not used to during with week where the darkness can extend almost to when I go to work. The coffee is the "special" coffee I allow myself on weekends, sometimes roasts by Binky Bun Coffee or (today) a Texas pecan blend. I love pecan coffee but am late come to it as a small addiction; limiting myself to intake on the weekend manages what could be a very expensive habit.
Being in the apartment with someone there is different that being there by one's self. Yes, of course, there is the physical presence, but it something unseen as well - a different sort of energy that manifests itself in the space. One can be doing things by one's self but one is never alone like one was. A curious feeling after 9 months of effectively being on my own.
I snuggle down under my newly resewn blanket and embrace the coffee and the nature of propositions under a morning sun I have not seen in a week.
Life is good.
Glad the two of you are settling in. Women in general do notice the room temperatures and prefer to be comfortable. Being a man, I just pick a heavier oversized flannel shirt rather than pushing the button on the thermostat. Not sure if that is because I am practical or cheap. Maybe its both ! :^)
ReplyDeleteAnon - I think you are right - or at least, my wife is much more willing to act on her temperature preferences. I will tend to freeze in the dark or bundle up with sweatshirts and blankets than run the heater in more than a single room.
Delete"more frequent use of the heater we bought"
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that means that apartments in that part of the world don't come with heating units furnished in them? I've never lived in such a place but I've read about them!
It is currently a balmy -1F right now with a feel like temperature of -10F. The heating unit built into this house has been running non stop for the last hour trying to get things up to a reasonable temperature.
Ed - There are heaters - of a sort.
DeleteI estimate these units were built in the late 90's or early 2000's. They have wall units built into each room which - although probably more efficient than units from the 20 years before that - still make me think I am getting more cost of electricity than heat. As a result, we use more modern portable units that are more efficient.
And as you may remember from Summer, we have no air conditioning as well, so another portable unit there.
Your temperatures simple sound awful. I hope your unit is up to the task.
Good news to read TB, back to hearing another set of footsteps in the abode......:) If you're not in the oscillating area of the electric heater then I'll echo Anon, a flannel shirt helps. Around here today a sweater on top of the flannel shirt is required.
ReplyDeleteNylon12, it is good to have someone else here.
DeleteI essentially now wear a flannel or long sleeve shirt (sometimes a long sleeve shirt and a flannel shirt) and a sweatshirt or fleece as common indoor attire.
My wifey's companionship is much appreciated, especially after 48 years. Doesn't hurt to like each other and be on friendly terms, I'd venture.
ReplyDeleteIt does not indeed, T_M. Not at all.
DeleteI agree with thee about it being more than a physical thing when there is another in the abode TB. It is just a sense that my partner G, is around even if I am up in the workshop freezing me nuts off and she is toasty warm in the house. Hard to describe the feeling but it is a definite and also a comfort to me.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly it John - the presence of the person being nearby, even if they are not physically in the same room as you.
Delete