We did move to the tropics, right? So why are we freezing? It has been cold here. And, since we don't have heat, cold outside means cold inside. We struggle to maintain 15 degrees (60 Fahrenheit) in the house. Brrr!
This is our first winter here, so we have nothing to compare it to. The locals keep assuring us this is highly unusual. All I know is it's cold. Every time there is a whisper about a store that has some space heaters, it's mobbed. Street vendors are selling knit caps and scarves. The beaches are empty. Local crops are in danger. People have died. The other morning, we woke up to 2 degrees: an all time record for Mazatlan on any date in history.
When we were packing for the move, we were working from our knowledge of Summer and what we had been told about the Winters. Everyone said lows would be around 65 and highs in the 80s. Dream weather. So we didn't pack a lot of cold weather gear. In fact, Chuck was getting pretty tired of hauling boxes, so some of the warmer clothing and stuff I wanted to pack got vetoed.
Our problem is compounded by cement construction. Once the concrete structure cools off, it doesn't matter that the air may get a little warmer for a few days; the house stays cold. Add to that the features of our house that we love so much in Summer, lots of windows and lots of shade, and you have an environment that doesn't require refrigeration to keep food.
After the first four days of misery, I reached into the way upper corner of the closet and pulled out the secret box I hoped to never admit to Chuck that I packed. While my beloved watched, I pulled the tape and removed a plethora of treasures: a turtleneck shirt for him, shearling slippers for both of us, a few sweaters, his leather coat, his terry cloth robe, the electric blanket for the bed, and a heated throw. Chuck has never in his life been so happy that I'm sneaky.
We have also developed a few tricks. It is critical to maintaining body temperature to keep your feet off the floor. We wear hiking boots a lot. The thick soles keep our feet farther off the ground. Chuck wears two pairs of socks. He also wears two pairs of pants (a feat made possible by all the weight he has lost) and one of those knit caps with ear flaps and dangly braids. We also have one of those gel therapy packs that you can freeze or microwave, so when I am sitting at my desk, I pop it in the microwave and rest my feet on it. It works wonders.
This has been going on for weeks and weeks, so when we really can't stand it, we get in the truck to run errands instead of walking. The truck has an excellent heater. I haven't yet gotten to the point of going down to the garage and just sitting in the truck, but I am getting close.
Mostly Cloudy 73 oF • 23 oC
Good on you sneaking some warm gear into the move to have on hand. Hope it warms up soon for everyone there.