Cooling trends

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I've lived in Chico long enough to know that summer is less than pleasant.
Trade-offs exist anywhere you live. I grew up in Benicia, where the wind from the Carquinez Straights is consistent, and the average temperature in July is a comparatively mild 87 (according to accuweather.com).
But every time I visit the Bay Area now I grumble about the traffic and higher prices. I find myself thankful when driving north and I hit 505 and there is open land (for now) on either side of the road.

I need to remind myself of these things when I'm sitting at my house in Chico in July, sucking on ice cubes and feeling drips of sweat between my shoulder blades.
This time each year people start to grumble loudly about the heat. It's not that we aren't expecting it. Our bodies simply have not yet acclimated.

sprinkler Pictures, Images and Photos
We don't have our little post-work routines, which will soon involve stripping off your clothes immediately after walking in the door, trudging to the freezer and sticking your head inside.
Unlike dogs, it's not very fashionable to stick out our tongues and pant.


Also, we're in the middle of a drought, so some of the options for cooling down, such as putting the sprinkler on top of the roof or creating a personal waterfall in the back yard, would probably be frowned upon by water managers.
However, since we're going to be watering the yard at least some of the time, donning the bathing suit and running through the sprinklers is always a fun way to spend 10 minutes.
I also keep a squirt bottle in the refrigerator and on weekends will take frequent spritz-offs.

In past years we've invested in a kiddie pool for the backyard. If there is plenty of DEET on hand, one can put the television set in a window, and host outdoor pool/movie nights.
The downtown fountain is a delightful new addition to the City Plaza. Remember folks, frolicking in chlorine-enhanced water is not just for kids anymore.
Shopping is another good bet to suck up the merchants' air conditioning. The bigger big box stores are good for this, as there are so many places where one can idle away the time, thoroughly comparing the lawn chairs while reading a Dostoevsky novel.
Malls are another good spot. The benches are a perfect place to bring a picnic lunch.
If you bring a clipboard to the grocery store, you can spend hours lingering, occasionally writing something down. If anyone asks why you've been there for four hours, tell them you are working on the Consumer Price Index.

Last weekend we decided to escape the heat and go to a matinee. If you work it right, you can play a few video games in the lobby, get a seat early to watch the previews, and effectively stay out of your hot house for several hours.
Although Dad lives in comparatively milder weather in the Bay Area, I still called him to ask for some inane input.
One of his ideas was that fans are a good idea.
Anything the circulates air is a good thing, he continued on this totally logical train of thought.

Naturally, we theorized that if you brought your dog inside, affixed its tail with a fan, and then continually offered the dog praise, the air would circulate within your house.
Dad also brought up some fashion ideas. He said he has purchased headbands that absorb cold water. He and Lynda have used these on trips, bringing them a little comfort and that cool Olivia Newton John, '80s look.
Victoria's Secret makes gel bra implants. I'm not certain, but these could be chilled for a cooling uplift.
Other fashion-related cool-offs could include wearing flowing robes or inventing and wearing air-conditioned clothing.
There is also always temporary relocation --run for the hills, rent a dirigible, move to Reykjavík.
And then, my all-time favorite: The walk-in cooler at Winco.

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Heather Hacking

About Me: Impertinent commentary on gardening, life and most things wacky.

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This page contains a single entry by Heather Hacking published on July 6, 2009 11:56 AM.

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