Yesterday the weather ranged from 55-65 degrees all day, which meant if you worn a long sleeve shirt and maybe a light jacket you were fine. Although, some people decided to cry and wrap themselves in wool coats. I was perfectly happy in my long sleeve shirt and so were my kids. We went to bed with the a/c off and woke up to a chilly morning. One would suspect that the way we dressed yesterday would be appropriate for today. That person would be a damn fool! Down here in the South, one day will be chilly, then next will start out chilly, but quickly warm up. The only way to keep up is to stick your head out the window every 5 minutes.
That is where we found ourselves this morning as we prepared to go vote. We all dressed in jeans and long sleeve shirts, but as soon as we opened the door we knew we were dead wrong. It appears that between the hours of 630 and 930 am the weather, in the New Orleans, decided to go from fleece to shorts. It is not boiling hot, but it is pleasant enough to wear shorts. So we are in shorts, yet again, after being covered from head to toe just the day before.
Here is the key to enjoying and being prepared during the “wintertime” in the Deep South, LAYERS, especially for kids. Often times we will leave in the morning when it is very cool and by the afternoon we will be sweating. If you wear layers, and more importantly put your kids in them, it will make your day go a little smoother. Layers give you the chance to peel away that which makes you uncomfortable. If you are out longer enough for it to get dark, which is not that hard these days, then you can simply pile the layers back on.
Why is this important for kids, because they whine the loudest. It, also, gives them some control over their own climate control. Often times, one person will not find it as cool as the next, so if that person has clothing to add or take away it gives them the ability to control their own body temperature. On babies it is even more important. In this crazy weather, it is hard for stores, libraries and other indoor areas to keep up. If you like a happy baby, always be prepared with a light jacket that can be removed or put on easily.
If you are worried about keeping up with multiple jackets, then do as I have for the past 5 years, keep one in the car, always. Since my daughter was born, I have always kept a little jacket or blanket in the car for when the weather decided to change. I guarantee that it will make your life much easier and more comfortable.
