It is a ritual in this household. Every morning's conversation - - "How cold is it outside?" "Did you see the weather forecast?" The answer is virtually always the same. "I never see the weather forecast unless they give it on NPR."
Weather in Central New York can be interesting. Temperatures can fluctuate wildly. A simple phrase like Lake Effect can mean anything from a dusting of snow to 18 inches of white powder. It just depends exactly where you are standing in that snow band at the time. And literally, the other side of the street might not be getting snow at all. It's a freaky thing.
The last year or so, temperatures have taken their toll on me. I blame it on the weight loss. My internal thermostat no longer functions. I sleep with a blanket even in the summer. Previously those windows would be opened when it was 10 degrees out. Now, forget that. I now own 6 pairs of long underwear, and I wear them regularly. (Sorry if that was TMI.)
My perception of cold and warm has changed. What used to be comfortable, no longer is. What is comfortable now was previously unbearable. What is cold to me is not the same as what is cold to you. It has a new meaning.
The temperature is a major source of conversation. A safe way to strike up a relationship with a total stranger. Grocery clerks have to get sick of hearing weather forecast from every person who goes through the check out line. But it is a way we check in with one another. A way we start to take the temperature of whether the other person will hear us or not. A way in which we enter the world of another.
To engage in weather discussion is an indicator of potential in our society. If we talk of this, perhaps we can go a bit deeper. And so we talk.. and talk .. and talk.
It strikes me that once upon a time a child entered our world to check our temperature. To put on our skin and feel what it is like to be one of us. To begin to embody the conversation.
As mundane as these questions are, it is important to have them. It indicates whether we can ever be heard. Maybe, maybe I should listen harder.
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