It is the hottest day ever recorded in the UK today, at 40 degrees. Where I live it’s only 37 degrees but that still is damn hot. I’m writing this at 6pm in the garden with factor 50 suncream on and with a very shiny face. I’ve been beach ready in my bikini with a sundress thrown over for the past two days, even though I live hundreds of miles from the sea.
To keep cool, my family have been using our hot tub as a plunge pool which has been so refreshing. Bees have been gathering to drink from the water and fly off home to our neighbour’s garden, where they keep a hive. We have taken ice cold (tepid, in my case) showers to help cool down and in between, have loved putting our wrists under the cold tap, which is pure bliss. (I even put some cucumber slices on my eyelids which was heavenly).
I know the advice has been to close windows and doors to avoid warm air entering your house but I have had to have them open for some sort of air - even though it’s like being inside an oven in most rooms. The lounge has stayed chilled though as the shutters and windows have been closed, so I have spent most of my day in the ‘dark room’ on my laptop or reading.
Last night, I watered my pot plants and the smell was earthy and sweet, like being on holiday. I’ve been eating roll around 70’s salads - you know the ones; cucumber, tomato, lettuce, new potatoes and slices of cheddar. Actually, quite nostalgic. I cheated by adding some avocado, which felt a bit racy. For dessert we’ve had jelly and ice-cream - proper old school. Even though I did try my daughter’s vegan ice-cream, which tasted the same as the dairy one.
My husband slept in the garden on a camp bed and I slept inside with all the windows open. All sorts of bugs flew in - moths, flies, you name it but it was too unbearable to sleep under my duvet so I risked being bitten alive without it. The slight breeze was worth it.
I have spent the day walking at a snail’s pace, completing chores at the opposite of breakneck speed. I have been in and out of my garden barefoot - hosing my feet and ankles down, plus my hot dog’s paws and back and my dog actually seems to enjoy the experience - not like after her usual walks.
I hope everyone has managed to stay hydrated and cool the best they can and are looking forward to tonight’s rainfall as much as I am.
Comments