I love the heat. I could be completely comfortable in 84 degree weather. Even inside an apartment. Years ago when I went to Germany for Christmas I felt like I was going to die of frostbite even though I was throughly wrapped up in very warm, all-covering clothing. I can’t handle the cold. I tend to get hives in the cold.

However, fast forward to our current pandemic times. If we want to eat out, we have to eat outside in winter weather. New Yorkers are not used to this type of dining. But we are indeed acclimating. A few nights back, every restaurant I passed that had outside seating was packed. It’s a new way of living. It’s a new mentality. We are pushing ourselves beyond what we thought we could tolerate.

Now, I’m like a hardy shrub surviving winter. I’ve learned to tolerate the cold a bit. I suppose I am stronger for it.