The Dock That Was A Rockin'

One of the things I love about living in Maryland is the change of seasons. Unless that season is summer and then I feel less amorous. I have such a strong aversion to heat and mosquitoes that I typically spend most summer hours out of town or luxuriating in any buildings I can find with strong air conditioning, even if that means I spend a couple of hours hiding out walking the aisles of a Home Depot or Target. But then I just buy things I don’t need. I don’t know what I plan to do with all of these S Hooks, and my husband gets a look of concern when I randomly show up with an assortment of paint swatches. Of course my house has AC, but we try to conserve energy as much as possible and that means I don’t feel the arctic blast I so crave. 

You would think that growing up in Florida would mean that I would at least be used to, if not reasonably accept, the heat. Ahh, but notice I don’t live there anymore. This, and frizzy hair, are the reasons. It’s a total deal breaker. To be fair, I have been hospitalized with heat exhaustion, so I’m not just a fussy person.

When I have to engage in outside activities in the summertime, I will be the one holding an umbrella like a dainty parasol, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and usually a long light dress to protect all skin from touches of the sun. I’m Irish. I burn. I also look like I’m someone in witness protection. 

So, I mentally prepared myself accordingly for a recent fundraising event called Rock the Dock, which took place partially outside. I anticipated a night of sweat and desperation for cold water, and was pleasantly surprised by a lovely evening filled with a sunset, cool breeze, and the wish that every day of the summer could unfold in exactly the same way. My husband pointed out that we “just don’t live in the right part of the country for that.” Thanks, Babe. Way to crush my dreams. That’s okay. I will take my summer wins as I get them. Not a single mosquito bite the whole night! That is pure perfection.