Let’s make the most of summer while we can

[Loubprv]

Hi

I notice that many of you struggle in the heat, as we all seem to.

I love the sun but it no longer loves me, what a b.......... but, you know, we simply have to try and be positive and get on with it. State of mind has a massive effect on our health, and happiness and positivity is all part of leading the best life we can.

If you find the sun affects you then don’t go out in it. So hard, I know. I’m sitting inside, all windows and doors open, looking at this glorious sky, but how much better is it than peering out at a dull grey job and rain?

Yes I have to go out but I’ve bought over the years 4 very fine cotton lawn (pure cotton not viscose) long sleeved very loose blouses, and 4 pairs of lightweight pure cotton white trousers. This is my summer uniform. I also have a very large hat, and a white umbrella - can I hear you laughing from here? Who cares as long as we’re comfy?

I sit and read in the shade in the garden - can still hear the birds - and make the most of it. No, I know, I’m so lucky I don’t have to commute or spend time plodding hot city streets......

I also was diagnosed with probable mast cell activation syndrome ( it can ‘t be diagnosed only surmised by symptoms, diet and effect of medication) which is pretty grim I can tell you, but it helps to be positive and be thankful for what I do have.

There’s always someone worse off than us I can tell you.

If you find water is affecting you, giving you that fearful itch, then avoid it. Don’t bathe or shower, find another way of washing hair, feet, underarms and bum. I have, for the last 8 years.

We have to STAY positive and upbeat. Otherwise which way is there to go?

I saw a lovely film starring John Hurt a couple of weeks ago called “ that good night” I think ( re that lovely poem “go softly into that good night” ) about a chap diagnosed with motor neurone. His son went to visit him and said how are you

Reply “I’m fine” son said “ fine”what does that mean?

Hurt replied “when someone asks you how you are, they want to hear you say fine, if you tell them how you really feel, their eyes start to glaze over.”

Made me hoot. How true is that?

Louise

xx

[AngiP]

Love your post you are so right. my saying is 'its mind over matter' i just get on with life and do the things I want too, some times they are not advisable, but who cares, you only have one life get on and live it.

Angela xx

[Aime]

Hi, totally agree about being positive but I have so much sympathy for those who are working and coping with the heat. I’m lucky, like you I can choose to sit inside or out and when I do housework etc. This time last year I was still working and struggling without the intense heat we have now.

Away to have yet more water, fruit and an ice cream later. Kindest regards Aime xx😺😺

[Inca in reply to Aime]

Totally agree,keep cool,so hard in S W Fr where I live,it is as hot in the shade as in the sun,also we must close all shutters.....however it's just manageable,,out early for walking ,horses ,dogs,whatever other job......just copy the way people in hot country's live with heat.Its the overall warmth on skin that I find the worst......best to all,it will not last forever,then there will be rain to grumble at.!!!!!'Sally

[lizzziep]

Hi, I'm also a fan of loose cotton tops, not the white trousers though as we have two black dogs who moult all year round! I've got some black linen mix trousers on today. I also have a wide brimmed hat. Being in the north of England this year is the first time I've worn the hat a lot! It is lovely to see the blue skies, and find a shady spot to sit and read or just watch the birds. x

[JediReject]

Hi Louise my friend. Loving your attitude to life. I too have had my spirit lifted by waking to lovely sunshine though having been on steroids which have left vulnerable skin on hands arms wafer thin i now need to take sensible precautions but it doesn't stop me enjoying this heatwave. After all its a rare event here. And I have spent many weeks , months indoors in the past 2 years and listened to rain on my windows.

You offer a good outlook and also practical advice, (I won't press you on the finer points of cleanliness 😉) but then I expect nothing less from you , in a nice way of course. And I totally endorse the film quotation as I find it easier to say "I'm fine thanks" or "I'm going great guns" or similar. It's easier that way and keeps folk sweet who ask but don't really want to listen. John Hurt is a fine actor and played John Merrick in The Elephant Man in about 1980, alongside that other tour de force Antony Hopkins.

Anyway it's lovely to hear from you Louise and I hope you are well. Must dash as I'm going to grab a blouse before they sell out.

Chris X