Keeping Cool in the Heat

In 2003 France, like much of Europe, had a heatwave (canicule) that lasted about two weeks.  At night the temperature stayed up around 27 degrees and during the day it was not far off 40.  We are fortunate to have a swimming pool but, ridiculous though it sounds, the 100 metre walk to and from the pool really made the very warm water swim not worth the trouble.

We made many mistakes in 2003.  We live in an old, 14th century house with thick stone walls and shutters on the inside of the windows.   Not knowing any better my husband opened all the windows and doors which of course let the hot air in and once warmed up this house was not going to cool down.  Boy, we learnt from that mistake!

This last week has also been very hot and today we have had temperatures up in the 30's.  All the windows have been shut all day and the house is pleasantly cool - a relief from outside.  It's now nearly 6pm and I thought it was about time to "get some fresh air into the house".  I opened the sitting-room window ... and was blasted by the heat pouring in!  It's now firmly shut again and I'll wait for dark if necessary.

But the problem comes with visitors.  They don't realise that leaving their bedroom window open all day is actually the worst thing they can do.  I spend a lot of time checking their rooms and closing windows.  And poor blind Granny - her joy is to sit next to an open window and listen to the birds outside and her talking book inside.  She gets quite ratty when I shut the window despite the explanation and despite the fact that she can't cope with the heat (which is, of course, why she's sitting inside in the first place!).  The house is fairly dark and despite being blind her eyes are sensitive to light so again, an open window is important for her. 

Granny will be joining us at the end of July for a fortnight.  Let's hope it cools down before then!

Comments

[Mr B]

We have the same problem, but with a twist this year - not only do people throw the windows and shutters open all day, but a pair of swallows then spend all day building nests in the beams in the bedrooms.
On the plus side I think the birds living in the house are keeping down the mosquito population...

[Lorna]

Gosh, i don't know what I'm more envious of - your 14th century house or thefact you have having a glorious summer. We're having an awful summer here again in the emerald isle. what part of Ireland does your sister live?

all the best, Lorna