Making the most of Manitoba summers

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/06/2022 (341 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The record-high heat last week kept us in our house, despite it not being air-conditioned, while my friend from India was having a great time at Grand Beach. While it’s true that some of us fare worse than others when it’s hot, I have to stop and ask myself, “Why do I tend to stay indoors when the weather isn’t just right?”

Do you do this, too? Or are you an all-weather, outdoors kind of person?

Up until recently, it has been so easy for me to get outside and work in the yard, something I love doing. Now, it’s getting all complicated (can you tell I tend to over-think?) with the addition of extreme heat and humidity, and the onslaught of mosquitoes. Yet, haven’t I spent enough time in my house over the past two years? I need help!

My hope has been, that maybe if we don’t have our air conditioner replaced, not only will we save money on utilities, we will also get outside more in the summer. Maybe not the straightforward solution I was thinking.

I do, however, appreciate how gentle the transition is from inside to outside. And I love the feeling of a cool breeze through an open window. Hearing the sounds of nature is also lovely, except for the chattering squirrel who wakes up with the sun.

How I wish my kids appreciated these things a bit more. One of them does. One of them thinks we’re weird for even trying. I can’t blame him. Sometimes I wonder, too.

It’s not that we aren’t considering our options. We’re just looking for the right mix of cost vs. value while being able to align with our goals of encouraging outdoor time and saving money. We could do central air, a heat pump, or portable A/C. Or just stick with what we’re doing. After all, it could be good training for living in other countries. Not everyone around the world lives in air-conditioned comfort!

Most importantly, what I want is to get out and do things with people this summer.

Last summer, I went to the beach so little. This summer, I want that to change. There are swimming pools in the city if I don’t want to go far. Parks and trails are also plenteous. Food trucks could be fun. And backyard campfires. My kids seem to have figured that one out.

If you’re good at enjoying summer to its full potential, why don’t you drop me a line? I’d love to hear your money-saving tips and tricks for making the most of Manitoba summers.

Sonya Braun
Springfield North community correspondent

Sonya Braun is a community correspondent for Springfield North.

   Read full biography