Tag Archives: torpor

Friday evening – Torpor

Torpor….that word has been on my mind all day. in this heat

I see it’s defined as

Tor·por   [tawr-per]

noun

1.sluggish inactivity or inertia.
2.lethargic indifference; apathy.
3.a state of suspended physical powers and activities.
4.dormancy, as of a hibernating animal.
I read with interest that torpor is usually used to describe the periods of reduced activity that animals use to conserve energy during periods of extreme cold. not heat.. but something in my past remembers the word being used to describe southerners moving slowly about in the summer. Sounds like Faulkner.. .. no ?
I know it’s only in the low 80’s.. but the humidity and stillness of the air have me walking around like a zombie wondering how I ever survived 20 years in Houston..   I  have said in these pages that my IQ drops 1 point for every degree over 60 degrees.
I have to say that it’s not entirely unpleasant.. it’s like being in a warm bath.. I think slowly, type slowly, talk slowly.. (ok.. more slowly) … I’m wearing as few clothes as would be socially acceptable.. and I’m enjoying the hazy sunshine outside..   The day has me thinking about global warming… I know its one of the first days of summer.. but I don’t recall it being this hot this early (I’m sure it has been).. I just chose to forget) .. At this rate I’ll need to be living in northern Quebec in 20 years ..
I’d think about that more.. but my brain has stopped working..  ..
stay cool
nite all, nite sam
-me