Cool Summer

I don't know how this year compares with 2009 statistically, but the summer of that year was the most comfortable I can remember. This year something must be wrong because, even though it's been cool, I've been hot all season! I know I'm a whiner but, in addition to being uncomfortable in summer, I hate winter, too! (see The Dread of Winter) This leaves about two pleasant months for an Indiana resident like me; May and October.

When I retire in just less than eight years, I would love to live where it's warm in the winter, such as Florida near our relatives, and a different, much cooler place in the summer. But, in order to go far enough north to be cool, we would be in the wilderness! That is, if we go north of here. Last summer my wife and I visited the British Isles (see Separated by a Common Language) where I found the Scottish weather to be just right. If the temperature reaches 70F in Scotland, it's a hot day! I think spending the four months between May and October in Scotland or northern England should solve the problem. Besides, I just love the history, architecture and landscape of that area. The people are very friendly, too.

Urguhart Castle on Loch Ness

The problem is, my wife and the rest of my family are not on board with this seemingly perfect solution. My wife's primary and, I must admit, very valid complaint with the idea is how little we would see the rest of the family. Frankly, I'm quite lucky in that my parents and all of my children and grandchildren live in or around our Fort Wayne home, although my two sons are currently away at college. But, even that is also in Indiana and only a two hour drive. So, I shouldn't complain as most people my age aren't so lucky.

Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich

I'm not sure how we'll work this out. But, we still have nearly eight years for my family to find a way to come visit us in Florida and Scotland.