the double siesta approach
Has anyone mentioned it's been a bit hot in Europe recently?
With 34° - 36° C forecast for today, and red weather warnings for heat from the Met Office, I thought it best to stay indoors in the cool shade of the house.
Then I thought I'd write a blog post, because it has been a week or so since I last posted. I know you'll be getting a bit impatient for new posts to read here by now. (That was sarcasm)
While it's been heatwave hot, I've been getting up at 6am in order to have my breakfast and then get out with the dog around 7am, to let her exercise safely before the day's temperature winds up to Sahara desert levels.
There are a few places nearby, but the local plantation woods is nearest and has been relatively comfortable for us both, with the tracks shaded by the trees at that time of day, and the early sun still getting warmed up.
When I get back from that, somewhere around 8-8.30 am, I can start my day all over again. For the last two or three days, that start has meant moving about the house playing avoid the sun and find the coolest spot.
I now have about two hours in my office at the desktop computer, until the planet has spun to where the sun can get me through the window with it's blistering radiation. Until then, the shade cast by the ash tree at the front of the garden, and the neighbour's tall sycamore on the opposite side of the lane, will be protecting me from instantly combusting.
Incidentally, I wonder if, like me, there are those of you that have certain jobs you feel you need to use the 'big computer' for? If I have to do anything with a spreadsheet, or bookings calender web interfaces, or photo editing, I can't abide using a smaller laptop display, or nightmare scenario, a phone for them. Writing I can manage on the laptop fine though.
Anyway, once the sun starts the process of irradiating the back of my left shoulder and I can feel and smell the cooking, I will decamp to the sofa in the living room and continue on the laptop. This room is darkened, with the blinds closed, and has a ceiling fan on, so it's relatively comfortable generally.
However, it is so comfortable that writing will quickly come a distant second to snoozing. The head and eyelids start drooping, the thought process (such as it is) starts decaying, and the words department starts its descent into the hidden depths of melting darkness, like Arnie descending into the molten metal at the end of Terminator.
I'll put the laptop down and close the lid as a final admission of defeat. It is time for siesta one.
It's amazing how sensible the Spanish concept of siesta has suddenly become to the UK. But I have happily expanded the closing down, quiet, and afternoon nap in the most ferocious heat of the day, to TWO siestas.
There's from 10am to lunch time. Then, because eating some lunch makes me a bit drowsy, there is from about 2pm until dinner time.
Very civilised.
post link for sharing: https://skryblans.com/the-double-siesta-approach
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