When I was at Mission Possible on Monday, my friend Will introduced me to his friend Larry—a stocky man dressed in a rumpled button-up and slacks, very pleasant guy. Has the slightest hint of an English accent.
So, the three of us are discussing trivial things—sports, the weather. The weather.
Larry mentions, “Thursday, a cold front’s coming. It’s supposed to get in the thirties.”
I reply, “Finally!”
All at once it hits me—the completely different meanings of a cold front. What for me is a lofty appreciation that this darn Texas weather (can’t make up its mind) is finally turning cold enough to resemble winter, and merit some tasty hot chocolate nights, and extra layers of blanket to snuggle under… for Will and Larry means torture nights.
One thing that ‘Deborah’ mentioned is that in Michigan, churches always open their doors so that homeless people can have some shelter in sub-zero temperatures. Austin might be a popular destination for homeless people because of its relatively mild temperatures in the winter. But I sure still wouldn’t like to be outside all night when it’s 31˚F.
I think (hope) Larry didn’t hear me. He glances at Will and says, “We need to get ready.”
Stay warm, homeless of Austin.