We keep our bedroom temperature on the chilly side in the winter. “How chilly?” you ask. Very-old-not-well-insulated-house-in-Maine-and-don’t-want-to-use-all-our-money-on-oil-bills chilly. Translation? Around 57-58˚ F. We actually like it that way. (Well, at least we do once we’ve warmed up under the covers.)
Both of us always read before going to sleep. We each have a book light so that whoever stays up later doesn’t keep the other one awake with a bedside lamp. At least theoretically. Most nights I tend to stay up a little later. Sometimes a lot later. Sometimes that doesn’t go over so well.
In mid-winter the temperature in our room inspires me to retreat to long-ago days and create a sort of reading tent under the covers. This works for me as it keeps me warm, and it also avoids most of the grumpy “Turn out your light and go to sleep” comments from the man trying to sleep beside me (aka Kurt).
One recent evening I came up to bed and saw that Kurt already had his light off. “You know,” I commented, as I settled in my little reading cave with my book and light in hand, “You’re lucky I like to read under the covers.”
There was a slight pause. Then he replied, “Well… you’re lucky I don’t have an intestinal disorder.”
He can still make me laugh after all these years.

Ah the reading tent – nothing like it! I like it cool in our bedroom, but my husband likes it super-warm (77˚ F). I sleep above the covers – no need for a tent. I actual need a hammock and a fan! He keeps talking about an eventual southern retirement. I believe him!
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Yikes! That is super-warm! I don’t think I could manage that. I definitely pile on more covers than my husband, but luckily we both like the cool temps.
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Hee hee! Love the humor–and quick quip! I can’t even imagine your kind of cold. I’m noticing all the cold weather posts today and feeling good that I did not complain about our weather today! ;)
Do you have a favorite reading light? I’ve yet to find one that I love.
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I struggle with reading lights. I’m not a big fan of clipping anything to my book. I lie on my side and just lay the light down next to me instead. Not perfect, but it works. (I hate to admit it, but I’ve also become fond of reading on the Kindle app on an ipad because it avoids the whole issue.)
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Well that is reassuring. I feel like i have the same issues with the clipping. And I too enjoy the lighting of the Kindle–although lately I’ve been on a “real” book kick!
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Interesting! I’ve recently gone back to real books, too, after a long stint of Kindle reading. Regarding lights, I guess you could try a head lamp, but that just feels like a bit much to me.
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Oh my goodness, that was a great belly laugh! I was wondering if you wore gloves to keep your hands warm while out from under the covers to hold the book. But, you have that covered! ;)
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Cold hands are a big issue though! My reading tent addresses that, too. 🙂
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As we are experiencing low temperatures, I’m wrapped up in a sweatshirt, socks, slippers, and scarf, and I’m still cold. 58 degrees! How do you keep your nose warm? Your husband has a good sense of humor.
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My nose stays nice and warm in my reading tent 🙂 I hope you get a bit warmer soon. We’ll be pretty cold here this week. Recess duty will be a challenge, but we’re used to it 🙂
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I love the clever title and the humor in this slice! A playful tone invites us in, with the perfect punchline at the end.
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Thanks! Titles are always tricky for me, and I was delighted when this one suggested itself without too much fuss.
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Hilarious!!! I could picture you under your tent…I actually think this would make a sweet and funny picture book!
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It really was quick-witted on his part…if a bit juvenile! lol
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