An Odyssey of heat and air con

Already mid-August and I am still recovering from a fever that seems to have begun about three months ago. It’s been horrendous, broken sleep and the constant imbibing on water or “rehydrating” as it’s now known. My bath is transformed into a day-long plunge pool. My cooker sits redundant in the kitchen, lost out to a succession of prepped salads. My “respectable” clothing items sit sadly in the wardrobe, spurned in favour of a heap of knotty old t-shirts and leggings that won’t be rendered any worse for being in constant contact with my bodily fluids: even an activity as basic as writing a grocery list results in a stream of salt droplets down my forehead. And the dog days have barely begun. We’re used to the plumbs by now “keep in the shade, minimise exertion, concealing clothing, plenty of sunscreen and hats, hats, hats.” On that note, look at the picture and check out the marvellous new Solbari number: “shields the face from UV light, while its wide brim provides shade for the face and neck. With adjustable, internal brim wiring, etc.” But none of this is any substitute for being cool. I am not alone (I am sure) in wanting a return of those days when wearing dry clothing from morning till eventide was the norm rather than an achievement, when three hours spent in the cinema is to see The Odyssey and not just access the air con (did enjoy both, actually). Whatever, whoever, wherever you are, surviving this brutal heat is a must until the days of nippy breezes and night-time frosts greet us again.