My wife doesn't always appreciate my sense of humor. We arrived at 1:30 a.m. It was 88 degrees with 84% humidity and at that time of night, the air was silky smooth and cool with a slight gulf breeze. So far, we loved San Antonio. We were there to watch our youngest son graduate from Air Force Boot Camp. We didn't actually get into our hotel room until after 3am, thanks to the nice Hertz Rent-A-Car driver who gave us (bad) directions. After ending up on the wrong side of the base, we stopped at an all night gas station only to find out we should have stayed on the freeway for one more exit. So I got back on the freeway, and quickly realized I was on the wrong freeway going to wrong direction. My wife, bless her, commented that we were now "more lost." In my kindest voice (read sarcasm) I told her you can't be more lost. That's like being a little pregnant. Either you are or you are not. We were not. Lost that is. She pointed out in her nicest (read sarcasm) voice: we should have followed Google Maps.
After a few hours of sleep, we dressed and headed out the door by 7:30 am to see our son run the traditional gauntlet run. It was AWESOME. We knew he would be in the group wearing gold t-shirts which was at the end of the group of over 400 trainees. The crowds cheering and the quick flash of teeth on my son's face when he saw us was priceless. By 8:30 am we were sitting in the stands waiting for the coin ceremony to start. That's when we started feeling the sun. My wife doesn't manage well in the heat, so I knew I had only a short time before, well, let's just say before she had a melt down (I really hope she doesn't read this blog). I found us a grandstand in the shade where we waited. As the day grew longer, we found ourselves seated, standing, walking and breathing in the San Antonio humidity. A few airmen fainted, which reminded me how dangerous heat and humidity can be. So I wanted to write today about a few products that will help in the battle against heat and humidity.
The Soleus Air 10,000 BTU Evaporative Portable A/C / Dehumidifier / Fan is compact yet powerful, especially if you're looking to heat just one room. You can move it from room to room depending on where you'll be. Working on a computer in your office, or enjoying a book in your den, the portable A/C Dehumidifier will keep you cool without running up the electricity bills
Fans can keep a room 10 - 20 degrees cooler. I really like the Deco Breeze fans. They have a huge selection of animal, flower and sporting themed fans. Easy to unplug and cool you down!
There's also this Cabriolet Pool Lounger. This rugged lounge has everything you need for relaxing around the pool this summer. Our Cabriolet lounge features a super heavy duty PVC bladder on the inside with a tough nylon covering on the outside. This inflatable has the feel of a “river raft” that protects the lounge from concrete scrapes and cuts that puncture cheaper inflatables. Your kids can jump on the Cabriolet and drag it across the deck with no ill effects.
Not only is the Cabriolet durable, but it is very comfortable as well. The lounge’s adjustable canopy provides shade when you want it and can be taken off when you don’t. Cabriolet’s fold out foot cushion turns the lounge into a full chaise or it can be folded under for dangling your feet in the water. The integral drink holder provides thirst quenching relief on hot summer days.
Shade or sun? That is the question that only the
Colva help you answer. The weave is a UV treated synthetic with a reinforced interior aluminum tube frame. The included cream-colored cushions and 3 (three) throw pillows are made of water resistant covers and foam as is the folding top. The canopy, which is also included, can be kept up for added shade or pulled down to enjoy the sun.
We hope some of these products can keep you in the cool zone. Have a safe 4th of July and a special thanks to all the service men and women for their dedication to duty and commitment to our country.
As for our son, he made us very proud. At the end of our first day there, he was officially an Airman. He was more courteous, more focused and respectful than ever and that's saying a lot because he's always been very courteous and respectful. I know he was really happy to see us despite the fact that we almost, but not quite, damaged his reputation by showing up unexpectedly in a base location that was "supposed" to be off limits to civilians. But that's another story for another time.
I envision myself surrounded by my family and friends on a warm summer afternoon drinking iced tea or lemonade out of frosty glasses, viewing the world from behind the safety of my front porch trellis. The toes of one foot is on the ground, slowly moving the porch swing – just enough to catch an afternoon breeze.
Indulge me please as I imagine just a bit more decorations on my porch. Since it’s snowing, I’ll add just a touch of Christmas, like my favorite: the 3 foot Flocked Alaskan Pine with 100 colorful little lights twinkling merrily as I listen to the bells jingling on the sleighs gliding down our street. (Wait. Is that just a bit too much?)
