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Drifting off to a drone At the risk of being dubbed a whiner, a complainer or a downright cranky, old curmudgeon, I have one statement to make. I simply despise hot weather! Whew, that felt good. With the exception of a couple other co-workers who equally despise the heat, I think I'm surrounded by heatworshippers. And I hate it. Give me the good old spring or fall, when one has to don a jacket in the morning and evening, that time when the bugs are driven into hiding, and when the car is actually cool to step into. For me, there is absolutely nothing attractive about stifling hot summer days. I think of summer as that season I engage in a life-threatening quest to remain cool, hop-scotching from one air-conditioned location to another, in an air-conditioned vehicle. It's that time when I climb into my vehicle that's been parked in the hot sun, and feel like pulling on asbestos gloves to grab the steering wheel. It's that time when my vehicle's airconditioner knob is permanently set at the MAX setting . It's that season when my car window is down, only momentarily, to place my order at the drive-thru speaker at McDonald's. And then it's momentarily down again when I pay for the aforementioned order. And it's that time when I struggle to go to sleep, serenaded by the annoying drone of a window air-conditioner as it attempts to maintain an questionable level of comfort in the bedroom. The Sidekick hates the sound of the a/c unit more than me, but recently, she's the one saying, "Turn on that a/c, and make it COLDER!" So lately I've been drifting off to sleep with the sound of the old window unit droning away in the darkness, keeping one room in the farmhouse relatively bearable, while costing a small fortune in hydro. What is it about hot, humid weather that attracts people? 7 Susan & Ian Coish of Georgetown would like to announce the engagement of their daughter Independent & Free Press, Thursday, July 22, 2010 ASHLEE COISH to Ted Brown the best of travel throughout the world MICHAEL MARSZALEK son of Rick & Mary Marszalek of Oakville. The wedding will take place on June 18, 2011. Is there some hidden aspect about walking around sweating with your shirt stuck to your back that I'm missing? Okay, I'll admit it does make people shed their heavy cold weather apparel in favour of shorts, tank tops and Tshirts. And there is a faction of voyeurs out there who really enjoy that aspect of summer, as they spend hours peoplewatching. But let's face it-- many of the sun worshippers we spot in their itty-bitty teeny-weeny outfits really shouldn't be seen in them, particularly at the beach or pool. Don't they own a mirror? Geez, I sometimes wonder what they're looking at before heading out the door. Just ask yourself-- how many people have you seen in a thong who could actually wear one? On a personal count, I can recall one.... I tell ya, it makes no sense to worship the heat. After all, even when we do strip down to the bare essentials, we still sweat. Now on the other hand, when it's cool, like spring and fall, one can control the comfort level of one's body. If we feel cool, we add a layer, and another, until we hit a comfort level. But when you're working in reverse, there's only so many layers to shed, then you're eventually indecent. And still hot. I know there's nothing I can do about the heat, short of endure it. But one thing is certain, until the present heat wave breaks. I intend to whine and complain until fall. ... every week FALL CRUISES ON SALE Vision 2000 Recommended Sailings 10 Day Partial Panama Canal m.s. Zuiderdam November 03, 2010 Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale Outside Cat. GG US $909 p.p. + taxes $289.26 Book your 2010 or 2011 cruise between July 14 and July 28, 2010 and receive an Onboard Value Booklet and reduced deposit on select sailings 328 Guelph St. Georgetown, ON Ont Ref #50015325 14 Day Panama Canal Adventurer m.s. Statendam November 26, 2010 San Diego to Ft. Lauderdale Outside Cat. H US $1299 p.p. + $323.79 Great Savings Available On All Stateroom Categories Georgetown 905-873-2000 Open Saturdays 9:30am - 3pm w w w. v i s i o n 2 0 0 0 t r a v e l . c o m All fares are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy and subject to availability at time of booking. Fares include non-commissionable amounts, Government fees & taxes are additional as stated above. Fares based on least expensive Outside category. Cruise line reserves the right to withdraw promotions without prior notice. Cruise Sale Amenities valid New bookings and on select departures only. Ships Registry: The Netherlands.