1/17/2012

Understanding Mr. Rogers

While watching "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" when I was a kid, I always wondered why, upon entering the house, he would remove his shoes and coat, and immediately don another coat and another pair of shoes.  It seemed absurd to me, but eventually I didn't question it.  I just chalked it up to that weird thing that Mr. Rogers always did. 

Now I totally understand. 

If you come to my house, you may want to bring an indoor pair of shoes and a cardigan.

My extra-frugal husband had been hinting since we got married that we should keep the heat lower than 70 degrees in our house.  I was the one staying home all day and I was used to a 70 degree house, but I thought I'd try to save us some money and turn the heat down to 68 during the days.  Helpful, wasn't I? ;)  This lasted for a number of years.

Then we started preparing for the day he was going to quit his steady job and start his own business (doing the same stuff that he was previously doing).  We revamped our budget, cutting out some things to see how frugally we could live in case we didn't get a paycheck for a substantial amount of time.

Being the kind soul he is, he never once suggested we turn the heat down because he knew I liked a warm house.  But one day he came home to a red nosed, bundled up wife.  I decided I'd try to turn the heat down to 60 degrees.  After all, 60 degrees feels mighty warm after a cold winter, so how cold could it really be?

Let me tell you...COLD.

However, the human body is an amazing thing.  This is our second winter living in 60 degrees and I'm (mostly) used to it.  My fingers still get cold and my nose is even cold right now, but if I stay moving, I'm pretty warm.  In fact, whenever we go to another house, we're often embarrassed by the redness of our cheeks and the perpetual sweating that occurs because 68 degrees, to us, is HOT.  

You may be wondering how the kids do with the lack of heat?  They run around barefoot, sometimes wearing "muscle shirts" (Jonny) and leotards (Emilia).  Yes, they're way less affected than I am - shivering if I've forgotten the extra layers.

So, if you're ever coming to our house, pretend you're Mr. Rogers, and bring a warm cardigan and indoor shoes.

"Won't ya be my neighbor?"



7 comments:

Kate @ Bliss and That said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Stopping by to say hello, Heidi! Your blog looks adorable, and I've been enjoying your posting. Oh. My. Goodness, though- 60degrees?!?! I'm embarrassed to say what ours is at now. (and I'm still cold!!) I bet it saves a ton of money, though! Take care, and stay warm, Friend! ;)

Heidi said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hi Kate! Thank you! I know, 60 degrees really is cold. I need a nose warmer. It does save some money, but not as much as I think it should for suffering so... ;) You take care as well. :)

Aunt Denise said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Our house is kept much cooler than most, as well, but not quite 60! You're a warmer woman than I am! When Chris was home with his girlfriend we were polite hosts and turned the heat up to 70ish. We even turned on the space heater in the upstairs bedroom. We roasted and she still had on slippers and a sweater. We've always told the kids you can layer up...that's what slippers, sweaters and quilts are for.

Aunt Denise said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

P.S. The use of oil lamps also helps and it's amazing how much heat they throw off. We put one in the kitchen sink, in the dining room and 2 in the living room. They contribute to a relaxing atmosphere while helping us be frugal.

Heidi said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Never thought of using oil lamps! I got rid of mine awhile ago. Bummer.

Melissa said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Heidi I really thought we were doing well keeping our home at 66. It doesn't surprise me that your kids run around barefoot. It doesn't matter how cold it is....my kids always want to wear short sleeves!
Mikey does come put his cold little nose on my cheek from time to time for a warm up. Maybe I should lower the thermostat, I might get more snuggling out of him.

Heidi said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Ha! Good idea Missy!

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