We are a few days into what passes for a heat wave here in Vancouver, and I’m trying not to wax too nostalgic about life on the island where I could walk from my front door to the water in about fifteen seconds. . . (Some summer posts about that life here and here and here and here)
Stupidly, I made up a couple of sourdough loaves yesterday and they have to be baked this morning. Sourdough loaves do best in an oven that’s been pre-heated to 500 degrees for an hour. . . Too bad I didn’t do that math yesterday, and we could just have bought our bread this week. . .
Not only will the condo be too warm by 10, the bread-baking has put paid to the plan to get out on our bikes early, before the day is too warm for such exertion. We’re still going to head out (my recent resolution is to stop grumbling about lack of a proper summer and just get out and do the summer activities; I’m trying!), but we’ve switched to a shadier route. . . one that ends at an open pub patio with generous shade umbrellas . . .
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(Illustrations, courtesy of a chance remark by my husband yesterday: “Frances, I just saw a ladybug in the wisteria.” Seemed a good prompt for the day’s journal sketch. As for the photo above, I was amused, and thought you might be, to see the scarlet runner and aforementioned wisteria getting to know each other. I’m hoping the floriferous bean might be showing the wisteria how it’s done — we’ve been waiting four years now for that romantic drift of dreamy purple flowers to grace our door in the spring).
So that’s my week started. How’s yours?
I have lost count of how many consecutive days of 90 plus degrees F. we have had but decided to just get on with it and have upped my daily morning walk to two in the morning and one more for good luck in the late afternoon. Then it's home to enjoy wine with cheese and crackers as we watch another evening of ridiculous news here in the U.S. on the television. It's surreal. Counting down the months until the next election.
slf
Not an auspicious start to the week…a not-very-neighborly neighbor behind us decided cutting down a 40' tree in the dark was a good idea. Evidently not (quelle surprise). Running a chain saw after 9 pm on a work night, as well as causing a loud thump felt by all neighbors tends to annoy folks. But, for us, worse still, as he didn't calculate his cut angle too well and his tree crashed through our long line of very tall Leland Cypresses, taking out two of them. Luckily, we have an acre and this was at the back of the property so our house was not in danger. Now the fun part–getting him to compensate us for the damage. Sigh.
We have a heat wave too, driving the RealFeel up [past 40C, so a friend just cancelled a dinner, and even cycling feels like moving through a wet sponge. And no oven on! Hard to realize that b y early next year we will have 30C but with a minus in front! Still, homemade sourdough can only be a good thing, and ladybugs are a symbol of good luck.
SLF: I wonder if I would ever be able to adjust to that kind of heat. . . And then there's the political regime, which we really shouldn't adjust to. . . Thank goodness for small pleasures such as the wine with cheese and crackers.
Mary: That's terrible! The loss of any trees these days is particularly grievous. . . we're watching a 20-foot katsura dry up just in front of our window, and I've been trying to get the attention of someone who can get into the (fellow condo-owner's) yard to water it. . . But to have two beautiful trees felled by carelessness! Too much!
Duchesse: Well, I'm embarrassed to have used the term "heat wave," but Environment Canada has a Special Heat Warning on our weather page. . . I know what your summer heat feels like and I couldn't be there. That humidity! I certainly wouldn't be cycling. . . Hope there are deliciously cool Misters everywhere you venture today 😉
100 degrees here for 3 days. Not pleasant outside. High temps are not historically challenging but this yeas is the exception. My cooling system is keeping up so inside is comfortable. I am currently doing some home improvements and the contractors are excellent. Susan
It's so funny to read about heat there when it's currently 66 degrees F (19 C) here in Los Angeles – the world is upside down! I was talking to a friend on Bainbridge Island yesterday – she moved to the PNW because she hates heat, and is quite miserable with your heatwave.
Last week we were out in Malibu one day where it was 75F/24C with a lovely breeze – my ideal summer weather.
Love your ladybugs, and the impromptu prompt that inspired them.
Your ladybird makes me happy, especially accompanied by those symmetrical leave on their branch. Thank you.
Hi after a long time, Mater!I am replying mid-week, but I did have a lovely start to the week. These languid days are soothing. I spend a great deal of time on my deck looking at the trees and the birds. No bread making for me! Yesterday we went and had a leisurely pub lunch. It felt almost normal. Today I visit my mother in full hospital gown and mask. As you noted it is very hot, but there's that familiar coolness in the morning when the August long weekend makes us turn toward autumn. I am so glad I don't have to teach this fall. Might I recommend a wonderful novel to everyone, Emily St. John Mandel's "The Glass Hotel," with its various settings in northern Vancouver Island, New York, and Dubai. It's loosely based on the Madoff scandal, but don't let that put you off. It's a beautiful thoughtful novel. Brenda
Susan: I couldn't stand that heat, but good that you have a cooling system that works well. May your home reno continue to go well!
Carol: In fact, we're only in mid to high 20s here this week, not so bad if it weren't for the fact that our non-A/C condo is west-facing and the exterior walls are mostly glass. . . love the light most of the year, but not great in summer heat.
Lisa: The symmetry of the wisteria's leaves is so pleasing to me. . . glad you liked it as well.
Brenda: I can picture you on your deck,such a verdant setting, perfect place to enjoy this weather. And I'm glad you're able to visit your mother safely again, even with all the PPE.
I'm going to order that book, for sure — and the library has just emailed that I've finally got a copy of the Carmen Machado you recommended some time ago, In the Dream House. Now to find a cool shady spot for reading. . .