Schvitzing in Cypress - #138

Schvitzing is one of those wonderful Yiddish words that describes a situation better than any English word could. There are so many great Yiddish words; many are commonplace in our language, more than most people realize. Schvitzing literally means sweating- but it’s so much more than that! It’s that hot, humid, sticky feeling with sweat dripping off your brow and neck- soaking your clothes. 

Yes! It is hot in Houston in the summer and we picked the hottest time of the year to move here. Everyone we meet from Texas always remarks to us (with a sly smirk) about the heat. Newsflash! It does get hot up north too! Our family loves the heat and hasn’t found it too oppressive. You do have to pace yourself when working outside but we’ve been getting a lot done. The key is to limit your time in the sun, take breaks and stay hydrated. 

Construction on the houses seem to be taking much longer than we thought. The crew is doing a good job overall and they are very nice but it’s just dragging on.  Our French door is in and it’s even better than we hoped! Not only does it bring brightness to a previous dark corner, gives us a nice view of the garden but we also can now see the sun set the evening. Minnie loves it too! Our wall is up separating the bedroom from radio room but the door and a/c vent still need to be installed. The fluorescent lights on our bedroom side need to be removed, closed up and ceiling fan with light needs to be installed. Over at the main house, minimal work has started to remove the bedroom fireplace and replace with glass door.  Hoping they get to it today! 

 

                                                          Minnie stamp of approval

As for acclimating to the Cypress area, we are feeling more at home every day. The little ones have made friends through school and their Mosque ( several whom live in the neighborhood).  School started August 12th; it’s such fun watching the school bus pick Dee and Wally up every morning right from our corner. Charlie and I continue with our morning coffee on the patio ( sitting amongst the construction materials). We are getting comfortable with driving in the area and I’ve been using my GPS less as I become more familiar with the roads. And speaking of roads - they are so much nicer than up north. No potholes, double lanes, clean and attractively landscaped. 

Yesterday we completed the arduous task of registering our vehicles ( truck, motorcycle and camper). I’m glad it’s done; it cost us almost $600!!! We have appointments for our new drivers licenses in a couple of weeks. 

                                               First day of school

                                                   Waiting, waiting to register our vehicles

We don’t eat out a lot but have checked out a few places. So far, our favorite has been Jason’s Deli. We also found a great place for a delicious burger and tried “bellagreen” for its healthier options.  I actually wasn’t that excited about the food but would be willing to try again. 

Today we are checking out the local community center and attending the charcoal drawing class I signed us up for before we moved. 

                                                                          bellagreen

Life is beginning to feel more normal- just wish we could get this construction work finished so we could reclaim our space and relax.