Living in England I have come to realise that the topic of conversation about the weather is part of the culture! It’s important because the weather is so interchangeable! We’re living on a small island battered by wind, rain, sleet, snow and now, a severe heat wave!
This week, however, has been different. Temperatures have soared to the point where we have been given ‘heat’ weather warnings. I’ve had to scratch around the garage to find the sprinkler to water the garden. My Yorkshireman husband is having panic attacks about the cost. I remain adamant that this is necessary to save ferns from collapsing and roses, which have produced such an amazing display, to retain their glory!
It’s summertime and that usually means holidays abroad. No one can rely on the British weather for continual sunshine and long, relaxing days next to the pool or on the beach. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, booking these holidays comes with too many caveats for me to take the leap of faith!
My father used to say, being an Englishman in South Africa, that it is easier to manage the cold than the heat! I can finally agree. In South Africa there is air conditioning and swimming pools to help cool you down. Houses are built to cater for long, hot summers. Not so common here!
Something that does surprise me! A few of our neighbours keep their windows open all day! Maybe they don’t realise that closing windows and curtains or blinds when the sun is beating down, is the only way to keep homes cool? My husband and I follow the sun. In the morning we shut up the front of our house and open the back until the temperature begins to creep up. Then, and this is the down side, we close curtains and blinds and wander around like bats trying to avoid knocking into anything! Turning on lights would be too extreme! Especially if I’m ‘wasting’ money watering the garden!
I have forgotten how uncomfortable extreme heat can be! Throw in ridiculously high humidity levels and it creates the perfect intolerable storm! My morning dance classes have started earlier and are definitely less energetic! I come home and do a twenty minute exercise routine. I then have to peel off my clothes! I seldom do more than ‘glow’! Not this week! I’m properly sweating and it’s definitely a first!
Nighttime is the worst! I’ve shared my sleep issues in the past so this last week has not been great! I open all windows upstairs once the temperature has cooled. Once more I fumble around in the dark to avoid attracting man eating wildlife which have flourished in this new tropical climate! I’m like a magnet! I cover myself with copious amounts of insect repellent but unfortunately, probably with all the ‘perspiring’ the critters attack me! My restless nights are made up of itching skin, intense, almost suffocating heat and the fear of marauders climbing through the open windows! Not conducive to a good night’s sleep!
I’ve just seen the weather forecast and low pressure will be moving in tomorrow. Low pressure has become my new best friend. It’s brings rain and lower temperatures! For a few days anyway! Just to cool us down and bring some relief to the garden! I have tried not to be ungrateful! I do prefer the sunshine to cold, wet, grey winter days.
But, like with all things in life, a balance would be good! Not too hot, low humidity, plenty of sunshine and no mosquitos! Just for a few months in the summer. Also, rain at nighttime only would be ideal!
I can dream! Dreams are free! And I don’t sleep all that well anyway …..👠
Jenny Burrell 