Where's the Heat?

I am frozen to the core. Why didn’t anyone remind me to bring a sweatshirt? And I was ready to sizzle?

The weather at Chautauqua is never what I am expecting. The first year I came up here, I thought NORTH means colder. So I brought long sleeves and sweaters and I sweltered in a 95-degree heat wave with no air conditioning. Last year was similar, with the sweat streaming down my face in my un-air-conditioned practice cabin.

But this year it is unseasonably cool – about 62 degrees as I sit out here on the front porch writing. Literally everyone walking by has a sweatshirt or jacket on and long pants or a long skirt. I have exactly one pair of jeans and my long green Costco skirt. They will get a lot of use.

I may head over to the book store later and splurge on a Chautauqua sweatshirt. I’m sure my housemates will get tired of seeing me in it but it will keep me warm.

I was even cold last night as I slept in our king-size bed. Maybe we should have taken the room with the double bed. Body heat is a nice way to stay warm.

Despite the cold weather, I have already been reminded several times why I love this place. The absence of cars is refreshing. Seeing children running around free without the worry of their parents is reassuring. And hearing a 23-year-old pianist from the Ukraine play Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto with the symphony last night was something I will remember forever.

Today we’ll go on a bike ride, wander over to the practice cabins, and do a group-cooking dinner that is reminiscent of the days of living with roommates.

I love this beautiful piece of America and the magic it works on me every year!