Goldilocks had only three choices

Too hot; too cold; just right.

She had easy choices; I wish I could say the same when it comes to the heat settings on my furnace.

The facts: A modest, little over 1100 square foot lower flat built in 1922, with forced air heat and newish (installed more than 17 years ago) double paned vinyl windows. One hundred fifty inches of the west wall of the living room is window; One hundred twenty inches of the south facing dining room wall is window. One twelve inch square heat register in each room save the kitchen. Kitchen heat vent is under the cabinet.

The history: The occupant doesn't mind the cold. In previous years, sixty-three degrees was the typical "home" setting on the thermostat, with a dip to fifty-eight overnight and when unoccupied. This was done in part out of thriftiness and in part to showcase, through use, the quilts the occupant created.

The challenge: Adjust the heat to a more "normal" level, neither too hot nor too cold. Warm enough that the leather furniture isn't a block of ice, cold enough that the heating bill won't cause cardiac arrest. Warm enough that friends are comfortable, cool enough for the occupant's broken internal thermostat.

The results: Less than optimal. No matter what the heat settings, when it is greater than thirty-five degrees outside, it feels chilly inside. At lower outside temperatures, the interior feels much too warm. The perception of hot/cold in the house also seems to shift with the direction and intensity of the wind, leading to the conclusion that over the years, as the house has continued to "settle", the windows have lost some of their weather tight qualities.

The final conclusion: After much messing around, a more or less suitable temperature range has been established. Quilts and/or sweaters are still needed when sitting to watch a movie, but it is still warm enough to consistently walk around barefoot (occupant refuses to wear shoes in the house, and prefers not to wear socks after the great over spray of Pledge + linoleum debacle).

Now if you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to go get a sweater.