I adore my Texas relatives and friends but I just can’t take the summer sizzling heat of southeast Texas outside of Houston where I now reside. There is a Texas practice of having outdoor parties in the summer heat while there is a large air conditioned house only steps away. It seems to be somewhat of a tradition but I find it very uncomfortable.
Most Texans would never even consider sitting inside in the air conditioning as anyone who does so is considered a wuss. They sit outside having conversations above the loud drone of numerous industrial fans that have the ability to send you in flight or blow the hair off your head. To me it is just blowing around the same hot air.
Even the small children aren’t crazy about the heat. Parents shuffle them outside to a kiddie swimming pool with the temperature of warm bath water. They begrudgingly go outside only to sneak back into the air conditioned kids playroom. The door to the outside is constantly opening and closing and I’m thinking a revolving door would be perfect.
I am the wuss because I refuse to go out in the oven-like atmosphere to boil and sizzle in the oppressive heat. I would rather be inside, cool, crisp and comfy.
Occasionally they will wander inside to the air conditioning to use the restroom or gather a drink. Each and every one of them upon entering, remark how good the cool air feels and how incredibly hot it is outdoors.
When they finish their business inside,they head back outdoors to all the festivities sans me, where their exposed skin turns into shimmering, shiny sweat within seconds.
They wouldn’t have it any other way and I long to be part of the group conversation and visitation as I peek through the windows. Yep, the wuss.
I guess I lived in Southern California for too long because I don’t understand the logic of this tradition. As for me, my outdoor parties are in December and will never be in the summer unless they are inside. Remember, I am the wuss.
Makes sense to me but my Texas friends and relatives wonder if I am from another planet. Yep, the planet of cool.
mindful things 
Do your December parties have anything to do with the fact that you and Steve were both born in December?
Hey Vern, It has always been more of a Christmas thing and gumbo thing (yummy in cold weather) than a birthday thing. That’s just the added bonus. Even though I was born here, I never got used to the heat and don’t enjoy being outside when it’s hot. I’m sure I miss much of the enriching conversation that goes on outside. I’m happy that all of you enjoy it and I understand it doesn’t affect you at all. Lucky people! I’m not making fun, just observations — as my blog title says, “Fascinating Observations of Life on the Planet and Beyond”. Love you to pieces!
Well I’ve lived her 71 years and I am wuss in the heat also!😰