benefits of a very cold day

I rarely get to wear my long shearling coat.  I bought it in 2004, along with a brown leather knee-length shearling.  They both still look like new.  That’s a good justification for having nice coats — you feel great in them; they can last a very long time; and classic coats never go out of style.

I wake up to a cold room, 57 degrees to be exact.  That’s how I sleep best.  Today’s high is supposed to be sixteen degrees, which is still better than Ithaca’s high of five.  Poor Alexander. 

I have an early gynecologist’s appointment downtown, so I bundle up — long shearling, Uggs, and a cashmere scarf.  Except for my face (which hurts it’s so cold), I am toasty.  I love this kind of weather.

I have been seeing the same gynecologist for years.  I know her daughter is a sophomore at Princeton, is President of her eating club, and turned down a full scholarship to Hopkins. Her son is autistic but brilliant, is a sophomore in high school, and has a bad guidance counselor.  I am naked but for a paper dress; my feet are in stirrups; and my doctor is performing a pap smear.   As she is examining me, she is telling me about the AP courses her son is taking.  It's an odd set-up for a casual conversation about education.

I’m in and out in an hour, which is a first.  Usually I wait at least that amount of time before even seeing the doctor.  As I’m leaving, I thank the nurse for getting me seen so fast.  “ No need to thank me," she responds, "It's the weather."  

I have no idea what she means, but am grateful all over again for the sub-freezing temperature.