Since moving to North Carolina, I have experienced a coldness that I have never felt.  I have not lived in a cold climate for a long time, but this is different.  It is not just that I am not used to it.  It is something else. 

I am now a senior and I think this is why I feel the cold.  Unfortunately, I need the heat turned on more often to be comfortable.  I feel the wind outside and the bone chilling cold.

I saw a post on Facebook the other day from a friend who had just left her grandmother's "excessively hot condo" and I thought, I have arrived there, myself.  I asked myself why.  I am not in my 90's nor am I thin, like she is.  So what has happened?

When I was some younger, I could stand on a balcony in freezing temps in an backless evening dress without a wrap and no goosebumps.  I was in my 30's and slim, but I did not feel the cold.  The only heavy coat I had was one I had purchased during a visit to Chicago in December, and it was too hot to wear anywhere but Chicago. 

In fact, I have only jackets, now.  I had a couple of peacoats over 13 years ago when I lived in the DC area, but basically I hate coats and I have not worn them.  It was never really cold enough, no matter how much snow, ice, or wind there was.

It is cold enough now.  I wish I had one to brave the winds and snow if I go out.  I hate to admit it, but I watch the weather channel constantly to see if it will be warm enough for me to leave the house (another old person thing). I remember a friend and I discussing our parents and their expectation for perfect weather in order to do anything.  Have I gotten there? 

It must be so. And the only reason I can think of is that I am getting older - not OLD - but older.  I have arthritis, poor circulation even though I exercise, and muscles that get stiff in the cold and must be warmed up in some way.  I have even started sleeping not only with a blanket but also with the spread pulled up.  My arms and legs get cold.

Well, I have promised my friends to quit complaining about the cold here in North Carolina, and I will stop now.  But, I plan on buying a coat during one of the sales this spring.  I am not going to let cold weather stop me or make me OLD.

Well, 2013 has brought me a new adventure - I have moved to the coast of North Carolina.  Yes, those restless feet really started itching and friends offered to let me "caretake" their cottage on the coast of North Carolina.  It has been an adventure already.

One of the main things is adjusting to the increased cold temps (southern Georgia is very mild).  Another is the smallness of the towns since I have always been a city girl. But I am rising to these challenges the best I can.  I am researching more efficient ways to heat this little cottage and have joined a senior center in a nearby town to use their gym and meet people.

I have explored the nearby towns and they are truly charming.  I have also researched Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk (the large cities to the north).  I also plan to visit Kitty Hawk and Nagshead when the weather warms some.

It is nice to be in a small house again instead of an apartment.  Instead of "noisy" neighbors, I have no neighbors since this is basically a "summer" community.  That is not to say there is no one here; there are several fulltime residents and there is a community building for the area that I plan to visit.  I just do not have "next door" neighbors right now.

An additional note is that although I have not been driving long distances for the last 4 years, I polished off this move without a hitch.  I was proud that an OLD person like myself can still drive a long distance.  I plan on visiting a dear friend in Alexandria this spring since I made the trip here just fine.  Who knows what is ahead! I will keep you posted.