staying cool

If you follow the news then you probably heard that the pacific northwest is in an all-sorts-of-record-breaking heat wave. It's HOT! This morning we set the warmest low ever (73 deg - 4 deg warmer than the previous record) and today we're expected to break the warmest ever high record (of 100 deg).

To try to keep cool(er) I have spent the early mornings and evenings on my porch - although technically may not be cooler than my apartment the warm breeze feels nice. I take some reading, a cooling glass of water, iced tea, or sangria and bring the fan to heighten that breeze. In the evenings I pull a lamp near so I can continue to read after sunset. It's kinda noisy (busy street) and I can hear everyone else on their porches (talking on cell phones) but still it's a break from the indoor sauna that is my apartment.

Why not go somewhere cooler??? I might break down today, but in general I don't know where to go. I would head to the library with my laptop, but I can't take my pooch and it's seems cruel to leave her behind.

Tips to keep cool:

1. drink cold beverages

2. drink hot beverages (this works by making you sweat and then you feel cooler)

3. eat spicy food (same as #2)

4. read escapist literature (maybe it's time to pull out the Anne books?)

5. take COLD showers - I'm also giving my dog daily cold showers to help cool her down (when she starts panting you know it is time for that shower)

6. plug fan into extension cord so you can easily pull it around the apartment after you

7. dig through sweater box to find those tank tops you know you have somewhere

8. put fitted sheet on [futon] sofa because it's cooler to the touch than the upholstery

9. eat salads, popsicles, and fruit

10. wrap ice with a bandana and place on nape of neck or forehead for instant cool

11. close windows and shades when outdoors surpasses the interior temp (84 presently)

12....

heat wave

This week is hot. Today it has hit 90* deg F (the last several have tapered out at 88 deg). The only thing to do is pull out my paper fans. My small collection consists of one from my childhood (my favorite souvenirs!), one that belonged to a great aunt (the gold fancy one with images on both sides) and 4 from my brother. About 5 years ago, he gave me a bunch of butterfly paper fans. Why? Who knows. It is these butterfly fans that I pull out on hot days. They are less precious, but still hold the charm and elegance and cooling effect of the others. They suffer from small tares in their pleats, which was the fate of many of mine from childhood (more often a separation from the handle); I repair the damage with tape and continue to cool myself. I also enjoy a quantity of popsicles.

* Average high for June is 69 deg. F. The hottest month, August's average high is 76 deg. F. An absolute record high for Seattle of 100 deg. F was set in late July 15 years ago. So this is REALLY hot for us.

UPDATE: It eventually reached 92 deg.