When it's 104 degrees every day I look for ways to cool down. I start to go raving mad as well but I try to cool down at the same time.
Assuming I can get in the car without stripping sections from my epidermis (see previous post), a good thing to do is go to Amy's for an ice cream. I like the plain stuff - vanilla, strawberry, the Belgian chocolate is very good- and always have it neat. The Husband is more adventurous (or American) and goes for pecan, or peanut butter and then has things crushed into the ice cream, like peanut butter cups or cookies. This process is nice to watch, as the server kneads and bashes the concoction with a big stick.
There are tables under umbrellas outside but there is also a children's playground. Depending on the time of day I'll sometimes nip into Phil's Ice House next door for a quiet seat. As Phil's serves what is currently my favourite burger in town (The Rosedale) the whole thing can happen in reverse.
Outdoor-types go to Barton Springs pool for a swim or head for the Colorado River but I don't do the swimming/bicycling thing. My method is to avoid the sun altogether by hopping from place to place: ice cream parlour, dark bar, thrift store. Or stay put- close the blinds, set the fans to warp factor.....and watch telly. Cooling things to view include Jeanne Moreau jumping into the Seine (@ 1.00), Ice Station Zebra' and, from beginning to end, no cheating -'Ice-Cold In Alex'. After which I have a beer from the fridge.
Things to avoid doing in this heat include all forms of cleaning and cooking, going in the garage for any reason, chasing mosquitoes, and watching films containing Method acting. All that cringing and loping. Too exhausting.
How do you cool off?
1 week ago
9 comments:
It never really gets that hot here. I'm usually watching Marlon Brando in a tight sweaty t-shirt talking without moving his mouth.
Too much effort in that weather, Marlon?
Peanut butter ice cream?
Geoff - Did you see that report (very scientific) forecasting a raise in summer temperatures for the south-east over the next few years? Better start taking cold showers.
Oh peanut butter gets put everywhere. I'm surprised it isn't in the beer.
I have been in American 'dark bars'. The amped up air conditioning dries the sweat from your skin instantly and then you develop hypothermia.
And the damn beers too cold.
Gerfer - I think the trick is to go to Honky Tonks, tiny ones. They can only afford to run one of two fans (the other being tangled up with Christmas bunting). Darkness does the rest.
What about Cool Hand Luke?
Even though Paul Newman is a method actor I'm sure it would help.
Kaz - I'm afraid those eggs wouldn't help.
No need to chase mosquitoes.
They find you by themselves, real good.
You should also avoid watching films of Tennessee Williams plays. All of those fat blokes in cream linen suits with sweat patches under the arms fanning themselves and wheezing. Makes you feel even more hot and exhausted I would guess.
Sorry I'm so tardy here. It's actually cooled down in Blighty and we're got the usual sun/showers combination.
Betty - So true; Tennessee and Liz Taylor - the only people who enjoyed watching Richard Burton swimming in his underpants. Woops, nearly forgot the iguana.
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