Fatal decompression?
I sipped my morning coffee, (now a regular occurrence because of full time electricity), and gazed out across the drive at… a wall. Definitely not a view equal to what I left and one that would take time to 
adjust to. Though early, just eight in the morning, the temperature was already 76 and the humidity made the slight breeze that much more welcome. Of the many differences between my cabin in Alaska and the apartment here in Texas that my son and I spoke about these were just more that we never addressed.
Though here in Texas barely a week I have lately felt like a scuba diver rising to the surface way too fast. During the years he and I have spoken about the pro’s and con’s of moving these talks focused mainly on the temperature as the one big negative. Never thinking about the myriad of ‘little’ things like this mornings humidity. I did think about the fact that I would never have to deal with the hoards of mosquitoes that plagued me whenever I went outside to work or fish, but never considered because of the warm weather here in Texas that I would have all manner of creatures to deal with including fly’s, crickets and even geckos.
Then there is the matter of people, lots and lots of people. Having basically lived in self imposed isolation, for 14 years, I have become institutionalized to be more comfortable by myself. Yet here, almost on a daily basis, I meet new people who wish to spend time with me. One gentleman I have found is almost a mirror reflection of myself. A veteran, who enjoys fishing and is quite conversant on a wide variety of subjects. One would think he would be the perfect person to befriend and I would agree, but I also remember that it took years back in Alaska to assimilate new people into my life and down here in civilization that length of ‘time’ may be considered offensive.
Decompressing from isolationist to neighbor
and adjusting to new surroundings
without overloading oneself and
turning tale and running back to what felt comfortable
that will be the challenge.
Pete's Alaska 
Fear not, Pete! You just need more time to slowly ‘unlearn’ the solitary lifestyle. You may never become a social gadfly and that’s fine as well although I suspect with time you will develop some new friends with whom you can share your morning coffee along with air conditioning!
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Don’t take the humidity as a given. It is indeed, typically a rarity. Especially when summer kicks in. These weeks of overcast and potential rain may seem but a distant memory then.
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Our dew point on the other border due north of you rose into the 50s today. Just keep those in the 70s & 80s to yourself down there, Pete!!
As for the people I’ve always thought of you as a sociable person; witness our phone conversations over the years & our visits last fall in Alaska. Hell you were kind enough to come into the big city of Fairbanks just to have lunch with me!
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Yes, it may be a challenge for you to start socializing with people on a regular basis again, but I am sure you will overcome. After all, life is full of challenges and who knows who you might come across and strike up a friendship with.
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I can imagine it would be quite the change with so many people around. I’m finding that where we live has gotten significantly more crowded since we first moved here and it’s not a good feeling but one I need to adjust to. And yes! No more swarms of mosquitoes! That must be such a huge relief. :) I’m happy to hear you met a kindred spirit. He might’ve been a sign y’know? A sign to say…welcome. :)
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Do what YOU are comfortable with.
It’s okay to be isolated when YOU want to be – even in the big city.
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