Dearest Friends of Tux,

2023 is proving to be a hot summer. Tux doesn’t usually complain about the heat as he loves to bask in the sunlight of the Community Room windows. But, this summer, two of our air conditioning units have stopped working. One of those controls the temperature in the Community Room, Lobby, and Office of our Executive Director.

The staff is doing everything in their power to remedy the situation, but parts are in short supply, and repair companies are backed up. We have two portable systems set up (but can only run one at a time), and have many fans and tall gates so that doors can remain open between spaces to help with air circulation.

Our volunteers and staff are trying our best to keep ourselves comfortable and hydrated. This is particularly challenging when cleaning in un-air-conditioned spaces. At least our shoes are not melting on the pavement as I hear has happened in Arizona this summer.

Tux and his friends seem pretty comfortable in spite of the heat, but there was one day when I found Tux “melted” on the floor by the large conference table in the Community Room. While I couldn’t ask him if he was hot, I did check in to make sure he was alright. He perked up when I said hello, but stayed in his “cooler” floor space.

Personally, I like extra space when the air is warm and humid. Cats like Tux and Shelley do not agree. With these two BFFs, every day is a good day for snuggling and public displays of affection.

Some things just never lose their ability to warm a heart and I will admit that few things melt my heart the way Shelley and Tux do when they curl up together.

The friendship and love shared between Tux and Shelley are matched only by the love and appreciation that Tux has for you, his most treasured of friends. If you were window-sized and fuzzy, Tux would welcome your gentle embrace just as he does Shelley’s.

In a few weeks, I will be moving my oldest off to college in Savannah, GA. He seems to have a cat-like tolerance for the heat, so I think he will enjoy the balmy climate. It will be the first time in his life that he will be living without a feline companion, so I plan to frequently fill his inbox with cute kitty photos. Tux has already agreed to provide comfort to me in the months ahead.

As you wrap up your summer of travels, gatherings, reading, or peaceful quiet, know that Tux and I send you a warm embrace from Ringoes, NJ.

Your Correspondent,
Lisa