I just bought some survival supplies for the approaching heatwave

[Siwsan]

We are under an 'Excessive Heat Warning' through Saturday. Temps in the mid to high 90's and the heat index in excess of 110. Gardening and yard work are going to have to go on hold, for a few days.

So, I have this lovely big and very leafy Maple Tree, in the back yard, and it's generally about 20 degrees cooler beneath the branches. I figure a big, icy pitcher of Sangria, a good book, and NPR on the radio should make the daytimes survivable.

[cutroot]

1. Good plan

Don't forget that if the heat gets to be overwhelming, just step into the shower and twist the knob marked "C". It will change your day.

[Siwsan]

2. Cool showers on a hot, sticky day are my ideal of bliss

Sometimes I get carried away with the gardening and end up covered in a layer of sweat, dust, grass clippings and soil. I head to the shower, turn it on cool water, grab the bar of Lavender Soap and AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. I'm in NJ. Here's my list for surviving the heat which may reach 100+.

1. Cold water in a spritzer in the frig.
2. Fans, one in every room.
3. St. Pellegrino cooling in the frig (mineral water)
4. The juice of 6 lemons mixed with a sugar syrup, ready for #3 or cold water for lemonade.
5. Walking around in just a long V-neck undershirt.

[hlthe2b]

4. I buy those gel cool packs by the dozens in all sizes, freeze them and put them around my neck

behind my back when I'm sitting and at night, I sleep on one under the pillow case. Makes all the difference.

[Siwsan]

8. I've been using those on my broken toe and whonky knee

so I've got LOTS of them in the freezer.

[smirkymonkey]

19. I use those too! They are great, especially under your neck.

I also put them in pillow cases to sleep on and put some on top of me, however I just got a portable AC which really cranks, so I don't need them as much when I turn that on.

[Siwsan]

6. I always have fresh squeezed lemon juice in the refrigerator

And a pitcher of simple syrup on the kitchen counter. I make my lemonade with sparkling water and pour it over LOTS and LOTS of ice.

I like that spritzer idea. And, yes on the fans, too. I'm not a fan of AC. I have to wear long sleeves or bring a sweater when I go to the store and always had to wear a sweater, at work. Now it's outdoor, in the shade of the tree, during the day and in front of a fan, at night.

[no_hypocrisy]

9. I don't have AC whatsoever.

First, I was raised without AC, so I'm used to its absence.

But I'm still uncomfortable at times. Another trick: I have a small metal bucket (oblong shaped) that I'll put a block of ice in and put that in between me and the fan. Cold, icy water vapor aimed at me in bed is how our grandparents kept sane in the night decades ago.

[Siwsan]

10. It was in this house, when I moved in, but went out

When I replaced the furnace, in 2017, I also replace the AC, for when I go to sell this place, but I've never used it. It's an expensive luxury, as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather be out in the shade and fresh air.

[unc70]

13. Not using AC is foolish in heat emergency

When the heat index is in the emergency range, there is no "fresh" air. It is quite dangerous, more so as we age. Lots of people will die in the excessive heat this summer.

Not using A/C does not make one morally superior, probably saves very little money given the extra fans, the significantly higher energy use by refrigerators and freezers, and by the other measures you are taking.

Consider sharing the cool with family and friends who are without adequate cooling.

[Siwsan]

14. It's not an emergency for me. It's a personal, not moral choice because I DON'T LIKE AC

If I was sick or unable to go outside, and enjoy the shade tree, or drive to the mall or a store, then I'd use it.

My other family and friends have AC, and they use it. Their choice. I bring a sweater when I go to visit.

I'm beginning to regret even posting this.

[Kaleva]

20. My in-laws keep their a/c set at 78

For them, it's not so much the temp but the humidity.

I do find it odd that you say you don't like a/c but you'll drive to a mall or store that has it.

[Siwsan]

21. I COULD drive to one, but I don't. They are too cold. I have to wear sweaters just to do shopping

I'm not much bothered by humidity and AC is very expensive to run, IMHO. Even in the Winter, I have the furnace set very low and just dress to accommodate, if I get chilled.

During the day, in the Summer, I am constantly going in and out of the house. Constantly. Sun up to sun down. Even if it's too hot to do yard work, I'm still walking around the property, puttering around the gardens, mentally planning what I'll be doing with them, next year, or finding something interesting to photograph. That constant change of temperature is bothersome, for me. I'd much rather run a fan, when I'm inside, and if still I get uncomfortable I can just go sit on the screened in porch or in the shade of my tree.

And I keep the house closed up, in this heat. Right now it's 81 in the house. Completely tolerable, for me.

[2naSalit]

5. Try adding

melons and cucumbers to your day and it won't be so bad. They bring down your body temperature.

[Siwsan]

7. I'm finishing up my 3rd watermelon

Also plan to head to my local Farmer's Market for some cantaloupe. I'm hoping the Bay City Honey Rock melons will be in, soon.

That cucumber water would make a perfect just before bed refreshment.

[procon]

11. Skip the alcoholic beverages during hot weather.

Alcohol makes your blood vessels dilate. The blood flows increase closer to the surface of your skin. This makes you feel hot and flushed, so you drink even more. Stick with iced tea and flavored waters.

Grab a clean spray bottle and mist yourself frequenty with water, the evaporation will make you cooler unless the humidity is high as well. You can also buy various types of misters in the garden section. The ones that just attach to a hose are quick and easy to set up by hanging the hose over a tree branch, everything will feel cooler.

[Siwsan]

12. There's a reason I posted this in the Lounge, and not GD or Health.

It's just a light hearted post.

I occasionally enjoy sitting beneath the branches of a tree, sipping on a glass of icy, fruity wine. I hardly think that's a danger. I don't 'toil' during this weather. I relax. I keep hydrated with LOTS of fruits and waters, but I also enjoy an occasional adult beverage.

Honestly, not everything has to be life and death serious.

[Bayard]

15. Enjoy your tree and supplies!

[Siwsan]

16. Thanks! My Dad always referred to his Maple as his 'air conditioned tree'. I do the same.

There's a nice breeze so it's quite lovely!

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

17. Kayak+lake where I'll spend my hot days.

Cold water to cool you, hot sun to warm you, boat to rock you into relaxation. Kinda womb-like.

[Siwsan]

18. Sounds wonderful

My late sister's house is on a lake so I used to spend many lovely afternoons, with her, enjoying the cool breezes and talking.

My Dad also had a Maple tree, that he referred to as his 'air conditioned tree'. So, when I'm sitting in the shade of my 'air conditioned' Maple tree, I can't help but think his spirit is there, with me.

[appalachiablue]

22. Sounds terrific, have a super relaxing time. Love the bar items.