Forgive me…
I don’t write much that is serious on Friday, and I just noticed that we have a category called “silly”, I am thinking that must have been Lani’s idea. I can’t believe it took me so long to write an appropriate post for it. Real estate really is local. For example there are maybe 10 days a year here in Minnesota where it is so cold that it isn’t a good idea to go outside. For those of us that have to go out we can’t stay out very long.
Tomorrow it will be in the double digits below zero, with wind chills in the -35 below range. If you have never experienced that kind of cold, all I can say is that it is painful and that every inch of skin has to be covered or frost bite is a real concern.
It is on the -35 days the people want to go house hunting. I am working with 3 buyers this weekend and meeting with a developer. I will show a minimum of fifteen houses and at least five will not have the heat on.
The rules for dressing are a bit different under these conditions. I will not be wearing any suites this weekend no matter who I am meeting with and no one will think less of me.
I will wear a floor length wool coat, gloves, boots, a cashmeir scarf and a hat similar to the hat in the picture. Beneath the coat I start with a thick cotton turtle neck shirt, and on top of that a wool sweater. No matter what anyone says natural fibers work the best.
Long-johns are a must. Yup you betcha. They are made of silk and can be comfortably worn under jeans or dress slacks. The boots are insulated with lambs wool, and the socks are made of wool. Very important to wear warm socks, I wear red wool because red socks are the warmest. Once the feet get cold it is all over.
Some of my clients are not from around here and they don’t get it when I suggest that it might be too cold to go house hunting. I advise them on how to dress and they don’t listen. I will be comfortable but very tired when it is all over and they will be cold and want to go home. Some will be crying for their mothers. It shouldn’t but the idea puts a smile on my face.
The next weekend will be much warmer and chances are I will be showing four or five houses all weekend. People just love to see houses in super sub-zero weather, and gravitate toward the unheated homes. I will smile as at least one of my buyers will show up in tennis shoes, and won’t make it through all the showing.
The hat in the picture is available through SuperCasuals. Even though red is a warmer color, I like the pink, it makes a statement, not everyone can pull the bomber hat look off, and some worry about hat hair. I am lucky, the look works for me. My attire may seem “unprofessional” to some but I want to live. 🙂
Jeff Brown
February 8, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Being from San Diego you could tell me wrapping my feet in fireplace ashes keeps you warm, and I’d probably buy it. What’s this with ‘red is warmest’? You’re making me nuts. 🙂
Lani Anglin
February 8, 2008 at 4:31 pm
>some want to live
OMG you are too funny!
PS: poor sheep all gettin’ shaved for you snow-eatin’ folk!
PPS: how’d you know I made that category? is there a webcam in here?
Teresa Boardman
February 8, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Jeff – my theory is that when it comes to mittens, sweaters and socks the red ones are the warmest, followed by black being the second warmest. My daughter just sent me some red wool socks that she bought in Ireland and the note said “red because they are the warmest” no scientific research needed, red is the warmest . . just trust me.
Lani – the sheep are just fine, a haircut does not hurt them, and it doesn’t grow back. Yes I do want to live. 🙂
Jeff Brown
February 8, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Works for me — thanks.
Benn Rosales
February 8, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Okay, a few points…
I came up with the silly cat, although Lani is much better at it than I am… It’s a lifestyle and a state of mind for her… yup, she’s a sophisticated goob.
The other point, this goes along with those that want to eat ice cream in winter, or how about those who wish to go outdoors in a monsoon- or those old people that choose to try sky diving just after the Dr. says, take it easy on the ol’ ticker. You get my drift.
My theory on why people are morons aside, I really want a picture of you in that getup.
Teresa Boardman
February 8, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Benn, Lani is the classy one in your operation. 🙂
You shall have your picture but only if you agree to post it.
Benn Rosales
February 8, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I will make it into a billboard!
ines
February 8, 2008 at 10:19 pm
i like red and never new about its warming qualities – so here’s my mean side. Here I was today with flip-flops (black toe-nails because they are HOT….although another type of hot) and a t-shirt. I love how local real estate really is.
Can wait to see the picture. Stay warm T
Lani Anglin
February 8, 2008 at 10:52 pm
shorts and flops here, man! thanks, equator!
Teresa Boardman
February 9, 2008 at 6:53 am
Thanks for the fashion report. 🙂 Our spring, summer and fall are gorgeous here and well worth the painful winters. I’ll send pictures of lakes, boats and beautiful blue skies.
Benn – I’ll teach my husband or my next door neighbor how to use one of my camera’s and try to get that shot this afternoon. . . now that I think of it, one of my neighbors is a photographer, maybe he will do the deed. 🙂
Mack in Atlanta
February 9, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I am glad to be in Atlanta where we don’t experience that kind of temperature (or lack thereof) because I just don’t think I could wear that hat.
Teresa Boardman
February 9, 2008 at 4:52 pm
wimp. 🙂
Toby Boyce
February 11, 2008 at 7:27 am
I’m sitting here in my red OSU sweatshirt on a morning with a negative wind-chill factor. Why did I grab red over all the gray ones? I didn’t know until this morning, when I read Teresa’s column.
Thanks Teresa for solving another of life’s quandries