View through the bedroom window of the guest room at my son and daughter-in-law’s house — they have lavender growing thickly just outside, and a big old tree just across the lawn. . . Idyllic!
Sorry for the “radio silence,” but we were finally able to visit our son’s family on Vancouver Island. Ten months since our last visit . . . . All the feels, as the kids say (or not, but it’s a useful phrase). Still deciding whether I’ll write much about that here, but I thought I’d share a page from my sketchbook.
Back home and processing it all as a heat wave establishes itself here in Vancouver. Which always makes the rest of the country laugh, our West Coast notion of a heat wave, but mid 30s temperatures are forecast with possible highs of 38 or 39. . . and humidity that will mean “feels like 43.” And our condo features a wall of windows that face directly into the afternoon sun. We did reluctantly buy a small air conditioner for the bedroom a few years ago. It makes sleep possible, and I suspect I’ll be spending many of my daytime hours there as well until this is over.
But this morning, I’m sitting “in the garden” — writing to you from under the big umbrella in the back corner of this terrace.
That’s all for now, though. Short and sweet, this morning, as I regroup –and try to figure out ways to keep cool in the city — any suggestions?
Happy you were able to visit with family. Love your sketch.
As for keeping cool…you likely know the drill: limit cooking (good time for take out or visits to a/c’d restaurants); draw the drapes–and if your sheers aren’t blocking enough–consider draping something like an extra sheet or blanket over windows to block strongest rays; hopefully, you own a fan (or two–unlikely to find one locally to buy now) in addition to the a/c unit–keeping the air circulating in rooms helps a bit; investigate any venues with a/c (e.g. museums, theatres, cinemas, even grocery stores) that you might visit; avoid overtaxing your body with exercise that will raise your temp. Ice cream and cold drinks couldn’t hurt. That kind of heat is no fun and no joke. Pay attention to any symptoms of impending heat exhaustion or heat stroke. May cooler weather soon resume. Stay safe.
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Thanks Mary. These are all good suggestions (especially the ice cream!;-) . . .Even though I do know to cover the windows, I hadn’t done that until I read your comment and then went ’round and pulled down all the blinds — they’re the translucent ones, better for privacy than for heat-insulation, but they still make a difference. . .
It will be a scorcher for us! We are not used to the heat in Vancouver. Your sketches really capture the spirit of place. Ten months is a long time. Your garden looks huge for an urban oasis.
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We really aren’t used to it! Stay cool! Channel your Mexican self 😉
Just looking at your condo terrace seems to bring down the temperature a tad!
I too had a joyful reunion with my son last week, his first visit here since September. Even without the pandemic, this has been a very difficult year for us, so our in-person visit was all the more appreciated.
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It’s true that “the garden” feels cooling. As long as we keep the plants watered, they repay the favour. . .
I’m so glad you got to see your son. I know this year has been very tough for you. Take care.
Read while lying in a cool bath.
Read while eating popsicles (or a more healthy alternative).
Read while sitting with feet in a pan of cold water.
Get up early-early and enjoy the day while it’s still fresh. Nap later (schiacci un pisolino…more holiday-like)
🙂
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I love this, Georgia! Up very early right now although sadly no popsicle. Will put those on the grocery list. And I’m a long time champ at napping and have loved the word pisolino for some time, but did not know this verb schiacciare. Thank you!!
Your patio garden looks so cool and lovely. But I send you courage for the heat wave. It’s so different when living in a place that doesn’t install air conditioning as the baseline. I hope your small one is up to the task. Oh, did I forget to say, I hate heat waves and I send you my love.
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Thanks, Lisa! It’s very different to experience a heat wave here than in places where heat is planned for — you’re so right! Like so many contemporary buildings here, our condo has large expanses of glass and windows that scarcely allow for cross breezes. I so miss being able to leave all the windows and doors flung wide open when we lived in a house. . . The solidarity (fellow heat-wave hater!) and love much appreciated. xoxo
Wonderful that you were able to meet your son and his family! Lovely garden with lavanda!
Your roof garden looks amazing and I hope that the fountain will help,too! We are in a prolonged heat wave as well,so,I hear you (although I’m confused with your remark about the rest of country laughing-what kind of weather do they have?)
Mary and Georgia have covered it all-I’m in dark apartment all the day,courtains and shades closed (my room plants are in pain without light),drinking water with a pinch of salt :)-I don’t like alternative of isotonic drinks…..I don’t do my physio any more,prepare mostly salads (although I will cook today,but not a complicated dish) for lunch (our main meal), try to avoid tasks out of the house during the day (not always possible)…..try to wear a hat(difficult to drive with a straw hat)……and make some mistakes-I’m going to opera tonight (but didn’t know that it will be in a heat wave,it was cold a couple of weeks ago)- The Marriage of Figaro
Luckily,I have an air condition in living room,but can’t do a lot,reading and resting,mostly
Take care
Dottoressa
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First, the confusion — although Canada is known as a cold country for our winters, many are surprised to learn that the summers can be very hot through much of the interior. All through the interior of my province, BC, then across the prairies, through Ontario and Quebec, summer temperatures in the mid 30s are pretty common. Especially through Ontario and Quebec, that heat often comes with very high humidity. . . Here in Vancouver, we live in a climate that has, until recently, always been moderate (except for the high rainfall), and we’re often mocked by the ROC (Rest of Canada) as being “wimps.”
I’ll be following your lead and taking it easy, except that we’re taking care of an Eight and a Six today and overnight. But we will go to their house, where we hope it will be somewhat cooler.
Envious about the opera — and The Marriage of Figaro, the perfect one, light and funny and beautiful music! We’re not yet allowed public theatre, and I’m sure next season will be cancelled again. Not sure how the company will recover, really.
Stay cool! xo
The one time I was in Canada was many years ago. I was a the end of the Summer in Montreal during a heat wave. I guess it was unusual as the hotel where the psychology conference I was attending did not have air conditioning. I was a lot younger then, and the hot weather really didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of my time in the city. I love the garden of your apartment. It has that slightly wild, natural look I am striving for in my own small back terrace. I am quite fortunate as I do have central air conditioning. I really don’t use it all that much, but here in New York we are at the beginning of a heat wave and doubtless I will turn it on. Hope it cools down soon for you. Darby
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Ah, Montreal in a heat wave — you probably remember the thick humidity as well! I’d say the lack of air conditioning probably had more to do with a somewhat European attitude toward that — which, I’d say, was the more Canadian custom as well up until a couple of decades ago. In fact, Montreal’s summers can be uncomfortably warm for me– especially with the Humidex readings, temperatures will regularly hit the high 30s, and nights often stay above 23C. Even in the heat, though, it’s a cool city 😉
Thanks re the garden — we’ve clearly over-planted and will have to make some tough decisions soon, but I do love that quality of wildness, a healthy contrast, I think, with the surrounding concrete.
Spraying my face, arms and legs with a mineral water aerosol kept in the fridge, running cool water over my wrists, a cool shower before bed, ignoring the oven and minimal use of the stove are among my summer survival tactics. Your sketch is very free and breezy and I’m sure that your terrace is a haven early in the morning or in the evening when the sun isn’t too fierce.
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I like this idea and have set myself up with a little spray bottle. . .
Thanks re the sketch — and you’re right, that time in the morning on the terrace with my cup of tea is very nurturing (although this morning it was already 26C when I went out shortly after 6!
Your garden is looking really lovely Frances . It must bring pleasure to all within viewing distance. I can’t help with hot weather tips I’m afraid . We don’t have temps like that & I scuttle indoors when we reach about 22 . It might be my imagination but the sun feels more burning than it used to do . We’re in sunny Wales on holiday just now . Max is sat outside in the garden but the dog & I are cool indoors .
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Thanks, Wendy — gardening compliments from such an accomplished gardener as you are much appreciated. I’m curious, sometimes, to know what our neighbours in the upper floors of the adjoining buildings see and what they think of that. One young woman called down to us a few summers ago to say how much she loves the sound of the fountain. . .
I’m a scuttler as well, when the temps reach about 22 — the problem here is that at 22, it’s already begun to get too warm inside, thanks to those windows that bring us lovely light all through the dark months. Fond memories of sitting in my big armchair by the wide open window at our old house, enjoying summer from a shady, breeze, comfortable spot inside 😉 Just like you and the dog 😉
There’s an article in the Guardian newspaper here today explaining why you are having this heatwave . I expect you already know all that but I found it interesting especially after your post . Following my comment I remembered a friend’s tip for sleeping in hot holiday bedrooms . She used to soak a sheet then wring it out & sleep under it . I expect you already know that too . Perhaps you could wear a wet Tshirt ?
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It is interesting — no denying climate change anymore except for the ostriches (the figurative ones with their heads in the figurative sand)
I haven’t tried the sheet — that might work quite well, actually. I do use a wet facecloth and also soak my feet in a basin of cold water. . .
Thank you for your explanation! I would like to be a wimp!
Figaro was in a theatre,but more of a concert version -Covid appropriate- it was so beautiful nevertheless,wonderful singers….it was sooo hot,even with aircondition- but,a first occasion to wear a nice dress again…..and I was so confused how wear a small bag…I’ve forgotten how to pack
Enjoy your day with g’children!
Dottoressa
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We can be wimps together! 😉
So glad you got that Night at the Opera — what a pleasure!
Yikes! That is hot weather for the coast. It was about 45 in Kamloops today- a veritable bake oven. Prim and I have been hiding out indoors with the air conditioner keeping it a pleasant 23 in the TV area – about 26 in the living room. Knitting and reading and napping have been my activities. I think dipping your feet in cool water, misting with cool water….lots of great suggestions on staying cool have been suggested. My house seems like a dark cave as I keep the blinds closed to keep it as cool as possible. It is going to be an ordeal to stay cool, I suspect, as the heat wave is not ending soon. I fear for the forest fire risk too! Glad you were able to visit your son and family. It has been 15-20 mo this since I last visited with 4 of my 5 kids. 😕 Soon, soon and I will hopefully be hugging them each in turn.
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Crazy weather, right? Glad to hear you’re staying safe and cool indoors. We may have to be making some long-term changes to our set-up here, change privacy blinds to darker ones, get AC for another room, etc. . . But for today, heading to the beach with the grandkids. I hope you can see yours soon.
Your terrace garden is beautiful.
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Thanks so much!
We are so not used to the heat on the West Coast – because it shouldn’t be this hot.
I find it so easy to think “well, we’re having an unusually hot summer” – and as Jeremy Rifkin reminded me at a UBC lecture pre-pandemic, we need to “think different” as these “unusual events”, including pandemics, are the new normal.
In the meantime, we have to figure out how to stay cool – some great tips above. And yes, such a beautiful very-French terrace (all those plants are also keeping things cool). While it doesn’t help cool me, I do try to remind myself about the challenges for those living in small, cramped apartments without adequate windows or even worse, on the street without access to cold showers, cold drinks and maybe a fan or air-con.
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Yes! I think this is a significant part of the discomfort we’re feeling, beyond the physical. This weather feels apocalyptic, at some level, especially coming on the heels of the pandemic. . . And it’s frustrating to know how long this has been predicted and how little our buildings have been built against the eventuality. . . (also very much agree with you, confronted when we do go out with the sad plight of those living on the streets. We do at least have centres nearby for respite from Extreme Heat, but some of those most affected are least likely to find their way to the resources. Perhaps only as more of us are affected will we begin to make broader provisions for all. . .
Frances, your terrace garden is so wildly exuberant! Enchanting! Would you consider doing a terrace garden virtual tour?
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Hmmmm, I will think about that. Thanks for your interest!