Today is one of those pantingly humid Great Lakes summer days. Still, I don't want to even think about how much hotter it could be and will get before very long. There's a bit of a breeze outside, but it somehow doesn't manage to make it through my windows, and the place really heats up in the afternoon. As you can see, I've rigged up a system for maximum shade: a crank down awning that shades the windows, and the market umbrella/table unit that helps shade the concrete. You'd think this would be enough, but it will still get sweltering in a couple of hours. This year the Ontario government has a program of grants to help people upgrade their homes to be more energy-friendly, and I'm going to look into that. I think more and better pink insulation in the attic might be the ticket. Meanwhile, I sit inside at my computer (small corner window under the awning - hi!) with a fan trained on me. There is central air-conditioning in this house, but I want to save it for the really hot dog days. You can also see I have a second market umbrella on the wooden patio, which helps shade the other end of the house, where the bedroom is. I've quit using the patio this summer until some of the rotten boards can be replaced.
If I had a laptop, I could sit outside and work where it's cooler, but alas, I am chained, if not in a tower, to a tower. What a difference a preposition makes. Meanwhile, the lake is making soft ripple sounds along the breakwall rocks, and the martins are swooping about making their own liquid music.
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15 comments:
"What a difference a preposition makes" You do have a way with words!
My house is also VERY hot in the worst of the summer. I have ceiling fans in living and bed rooms, big floor fans as well (The tower type are the best), and one window a/c in the only window in the house that allows it. The rest are casement windows. If it weren't a rental, I'd probably have done something more about it by now. My solution is sometimes to close the blinds and walk around in the altogether. Sometimes Lisa calls me and says, "Do you have clothes on?" when she wants to have me go look outside for some reason.
At least you have that view!
Kat
what a wonderful invention AC was, as long as we have enough air conditioning. I love having a laptop but then your also need wireless Internet-why does one thing always call for another? We live in such luxury and comfort...most of us in America.
Yes, you do have a great way with words!! Amazing how the weather there can go from one extreme to the other! It is still quite cool here in Seattle, in the 60s and lows 70s, but beautiful! Take care, stay cool and enjoy when you can!
Hi Deborah! It's hard to believe how hot you are there. I just guessed your part of the world was always cool and not too humid. Boy, was I wrong. I have a laptop, but seldom use it outside. I can't see the screen. Try and keep cool my friend. Lisa
This post a poem!
I can relate to your heat and sun strategies ;-) but usually we have tradewinds to cool us. all hawaii architecture is based on heat: little bungaloes with an attic vent to move the hot air out. I'm just blank today but posted pics and a poem (not mine!)Comfort Spiral
Aloha
get one quick!
I am assuming it does cool off at night with the lake breezes? You are smart with the umbrellas and shades. We do the same and only use our AC for the hottest days.
I can't wait to get up there, really, I know exactly what you are talking about and I long for it.
I added you to my blog list :)
I love how you describe what you are seeing - I can envision those purple martins! It's close to 90 degrees by us today and I am a wimp - I turned on the air conditioning! (It also helps the allergies!)
Ah, I'm with you in wanting that laptop! I'm blogging from my mom's computer but I would love to be able to blog whenever and wherever I want to! Being outside is the best. I love the music of martins. Too soon it will be gone.
Ever since I read Carl Sandberg's poem about the martin house, I've always wanted one. Not many Martins around here.
I enjoyed this post of everyday life for you...it is 97° here as I type this. Not fit for man nor beast outside.
Oh, wow. I enjoyed this.
I am trying to take in the ideas of summer and warm. Haven't had the experience yet. Thanks for reminding me it's possible.
God, I couldn't live without my lap top....
...and I'll let you decide for yourself whether I'm recommending owning a laptop with that statement, or warning against it....
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