Meat locker is a good description for so many places in the summer, especially supermarkets. Hospitals and doctor’s offices, too, for some reason. I really don’t get it. Restaurants are often so uncomfortable. So much money and energy would be saved if AC wasn’t cranked up so high–and I suspect most people would actually be much more comfortable, even if you don’t have Raynaud’s, scleroderma or another condition that makes it so hard to stay warm.

We were at a wedding Saturday in southern Connecticutt. Ceremony outside in the blazing sun, they had to bring out ice water for all the guests. I had 5 glasses and worried that I would have to run to the bathroom during the ceremony. Nope. Dehydrated and sweated it out I guess. Then the band was under an outdoor tent for cocktails and hors doevres. Perfect. Dinner inside- freezing!!! Go figure!

I share your aversion to a.c., Evie, and I too always take another layer of clothing for defense against the meat-locker conditions that often prevail, even in the local supermarket. I resisted getting a.c. for my home until one summer we had a stretch of several 100-degree days, my excellent attic fan (which is running right now), couldn’t cope, and my preteen daughters’ complaining reached record levels.

I was talking with my table companions at a college graduation recently about a.c. and we agreed that it has been late in coming to New England. Those who’ve lived here for decades can remember when 90-degree weather was extremely rare. Many places that you’d think would have it, do not, and this may be why. Ok with me!

Meanwhile you have a great solution with your heat pump. I am so glad it is working out well for you.