Dear God, it is hot. Just a week or so ago I needed a blanket on the couch and we were running the heat for an hour in the mornings. Now, after just a few days of a happy medium, I can't stay cool. As I understand it, cooler temperatures will return, but yesterday when I checked in the afternoon it was about 92º F (or 33º C). I realize that's pretty typical for some of you in summer, but for May in the UK it's unheard of. Remember that no one in this country (including us) has air conditioning!
So I stayed pretty quiet yesterday, mostly reading "The Hunting Party," taking pictures in the garden and watering our poor parched plants. I walked down to the high street in the late morning to get some watermelon -- it seemed like a perfect day for a summery treat. Dave and I sat out on the garden bench and ate it in the afternoon.
Like everyone, we have a drawer in the kitchen that's full of random utensils like a garlic press, a pie server, a can opener, peelers and slicers and that kind of thing. You know, that drawer. Well, the other day Dave pulled it open and part of it broke -- the front panel disconnected from the drawer itself on one side. Our cabinets are very old and this drawer has always been jankety, so this wasn't exactly a surprise.
I took it out onto the patio along with the super glue and managed to repair it. Now that I write it down, it seems like a small, insignificant thing, but at the time I felt pretty darn capable. I slid it back into the cabinetry and put only the most frequently used utensils inside so it wouldn't be as heavy. We stuck the others in the pantry. We probably could get rid of them and never notice, but you know the minute we give away the melon baller Dave will need it.
I'm trying to think of some place to go today that will be cooler. The Tate, maybe. I'm not thrilled about using the tube to get there, but at least I would be comfortable while I'm indoors.
(Top photo: Fallen maple seeds on our "stinking iris.")
I've never heard 'jankety' before - it's perfect.
ReplyDeleteLittle jobs often bring the greatest satisfaction, when the repaired item is in frequent use. Did you find yourself looking round for other small tasks?
That's always happening to the drawer where I keep my sewing threads. Could you pop up here and fix it for me? It's much cooler up here ... only 21C yesterday 😉
ReplyDeleteThere is air con in quite a few places, but it is a con!
ReplyDeleteShutting windows and blinds on the hot side, opening them on the cool side. Letting hot air out where you can... One big problem is under insulated buildings.. Insulation is thought of as keeping heat in, but it works as well to keep heat out!
Mending things is satisfying. A job well done
I’d be damned proud if I fixed that drawer. Don’t get rid of the melon baller. We have never owned one but seriously missed one. Once. Last year.
ReplyDeleteI too had to look up Jankety, it's a great word, we have a drawer with a loose front on one side, at some point we will have to fix it, it's just a dry joint.
ReplyDeleteNo one in the UK has air conditioning? After this summer I bet some will get it installed ready for next summer. And if you get Reverse Cycle it can be used to heat a room in the winter, which of course is quite costly.
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