Bulletins from the Big Heat

2.30pm Wed. Left home to go shopping in Mornington. 45 degrees outside. There is a total fire ban in the state. That doesn't stop a patch of bush beside the motorway not far from us spontaneously combusting.

5.00pm Wed. Still 45. Too hot to go to beach.... would have to brave thousands of people and walk too far. However it is not too hot for Mia to wear socks and her new sneakers for it would be a crime to put off until tomorrow wearing shoes one has purchased today.

6.00pm Wed. Richard gives up on the trains after seeing only 2 come through Flinders on any line in the last hour. They are giving out bottles of water at Adelaide station. No such luck at Flinders. Richard goes to a movie where it's aircond.

6.00pm Wed. We fill the spa bath with water .... cold water. And the kids sink into it with glee. It's 38 degrees upstairs and still well over 40 outside. I hear a big craaaack and crash and go out to see what's happened. The gum tree on our boundary decided it didn't like that branch.... there isn't a breath of wind.... the heat does it to them by expanding the gum.

8.00pm Wed. Connor goes to bed in the cupboard under the stairs. It's still 38 degrees in his room.

8.30pm Wed. I tell Jordan to go water the garden. He goes very reluctantly mumbling away. 1 hour later he comes in dripping wet and grinning from ear to ear. He should listen to his mother when she says something will be fun.

9.00pm Wed. Richard arrives home and we decide that the sofa bed in the family room is the spot for us. Note to all guests; past and present... it's damn comfortable. The air outside finally cools to the point that the upstairs windows can be opened to let air through. It cools to 35! Wow! We still sleep downstairs!!

7.00am Thurs. It's already over 30 outside. All doors and windows and curtains closed again.

Midday Thurs. It's still only 30 outside. Perhaps the heat wave isn't coming. Washing drying however in the 40mins between loads.

2.00pm Thurs. I email Richard and tell him that Connex is already cancelling trains left/ right and centre. The lines are buckling. Get thou to the station nowest.
However at our house Mia thinks it's winter and is parading around in shoes and socks along with trackies and a long sleeve shirt. And to top it off... a sweatshirt. Of course come winter she will be demanding to wear a cotton dress and sandals.

3pm Thurs. Dammit. It's 43 out there now. So much for a break in the heat. On a good note buy the time I hung out one load and got in the previous load.... with a wee break to throw a cup of water down my throat and another cup over my head... the first clothing hung up in the latest load is almost dry... 15 mins drying time. Now that's impressive!!

I probably should go out and get it in before the heat irons it too. I think I shall dump a bucket of water over me this time.

It's the first time I've desired aircon or envied those who have it. When do you think all of us running our aircon and fans (we have 7 going) will create blackouts?

And note to husband: Please forgive me for the state of the kitchen. Washing clothes uses cold water. Washing dishes uses heat. I'm not doing anything that involves heat. I want to sit in my wet clothes in front of the fan.

..... to be continued.