I never played this game when I lived in Missouri, but I started without realizing it when I moved to Minnesota. This is my 14th season playing, and I will make it to the other side of MEA weekend this year. It was in the 50s earlier this week, with lows in the 30s to upper 20s, but it has warmed into the 60s and will be in the 70s by the weekend. I will open the windows this weekend, probably for the last time this fall.

Tuesday morning, my house was 58F. I snuggled under blankets to stay warm rather than turn on the heat. My cats are extra snuggly at night, too, for the same reason. They would rather I turn on my furnace now so they can nap on the warm vents. I prefer to leave the furnace off and enjoy their snuggles. This week, I have relied on the sun coming through my south-facing windows to cut the chill from the air. This week, the amount of sunbeam chasing has increased significantly among the feline population.

I think there are two reasons we play this annual autumn game. First, winter is the most expensive utility season in Minnesota. January and February are painful utility bills. The longer a household waits to turn on the heat, the more money it can save. Adding an extra layer or putting a blanket on your lab is cheaper than natural gas.

The second reason is psychological. Turning on the furnace is admitting that summer is over and winter is drawing close. It means 5 to 6 months of closed windows, forced-air heating, and possible snow. We want to delay this reality for as long as possible, so we wait until it’s essential to turn on the heat. I love living in Minnesota; however, the winters take their toll.

I can make it at least one more week before I flip the switch on my furnace. This fall has been mercifully warm, and I will enjoy it for as long as possible. Winter always comes too fast and stays too long.

Thankfully, I am still in the game.