In an effort to combat August’s steamy temperatures, I’ve taken to getting up really early. A quick ride on the home-trainer, breakfast on the balcony and then a spot of housework, followed by a cold shower, all before my beloved wakes. He’s been finding it more difficult to sleep in the heat as there’s not too much difference between top day time and night time temperatures. We don’t have air conditioning instead we rely on the passage of cooler air through all the open windows.
Early morning is about the only time the temperatures fall below 26C and the cicadas give their cooling leg rubbing a rest. If only keeping cool was that simple for the rest of us. In an effort to remain cool, I’ve been wafting around the flat in cool floaty outfits while my beloved is permanently topless. He’s been swimming daily in the pool which has certainly helped his mobility but he’s finding it difficult to concentrate in the office, the hottest part of the flat, in the afternoons.
According to the weather forecast the top day time temperatures should start to ease below 30C this week. Welcome news for all but the most ardent of sunbathers like my sister, who’s over here for the next month. It’s unusual for the Cote d’Azur to have these daily high temperatures for two consecutive months (July and August).
Even the Domaine’s animals are feeling the effects of the heat. The dogs wearily trot out for comfort breaks and hurry back home into the shade. The rooks have found themselves some shady perches in the forest, the pigeons only appear late afternoon and potter about in the shade. We’ve not seen hide nor hair of Mr Squirrel though the magpies are still upsetting anyone and everyone.
My beloved, in his own inimitable style, has not been helping with the work load quite the reverse. He dripped sweat all over the marble floor and then walked in it. It was easy to see the imprint from the soles of his shoes. I was not happy as I’d only recently swept and washed it. I had to re-wash it because his sweat strips the shine from the marble! Of course, I could’ve wait for him to do it……but hell would probably freeze over before that happened.
When it’s this warm, you really don’t feel like cooking or eating much, just plenty of cold soups, fresh fruit and salads which means regular early morning trips to the market. I’m aware this is beginning to sound like a moan. It isn’t, not really. I’m just looking forward to a slight dip in temperature to make it much more pleasant throughout the day. When it’s hot, productivity slips alarmingly and sitting in the car with the air conditioning on full blast is a welcome option.
