francene--blog. Year 2013
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July 19th

7/19/2013

 
England is entering the second week of high temperatures. The southern area is on a stage three alert to care for vulnerable people. The figures have not yet been released, but the heat has caused hundreds of deaths and the ambulance service has received thousands of extra calls.

Unfortunately, here in Hertfordshire we have to lock our windows at night.

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About five years ago, I heard a bang and click coming from the direction of the front door when I was sitting alone at night watching television. I assumed my husband had returned home from his job. However, he didn't appear. I became curious, and then apprehensive. Not much I could do, but I had to look at what had caused the noise.

We only have one point of entry so I couldn't slip away. I heard another noise.

I picked up my walking stick to use in defense and tip-toed towards the front of my home and the door. Nobody in the passage, so I checked the bedroom with one glance. Nothing illuminated by the street light outside. After a quick glance as I passed the bathroom, I entered my study and turned on the light. Nothing. I called, "Anybody there?"

How strange. Unsettled, I returned to my chair.

The next day, I noticed a pot-plant had been moved outside my study window. A few days later, a police officer knocked to ask if I'd heard or seen anything next door. The Artichoke Pub had been robbed. I hadn't, but I told the officer about the noise I'd heard in my flat. He went out to the garden and I pointed out moved the pot-plant. After inspecting the window, he informed me that there were leverage signs on the frame where someone had attempted to remove the glass.

Just goes to show that an old lady with a walking stick can deter a thief. And it also explains why we don't leave our windows unlocked at night to let the cool breeze in. I'm sure there are clever windows that allow air in while keeping burglars out, but we couldn't afford to purchase them.


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The Pub has now been converted to a shteibel and maintains high security. We live downhill, on the left of the building. Drivers passing the former Artichoke pub on Elstree Hill North might well have cause for a double-take. For, although a pub sign remains, it now depicts a tallit-draped Jew, as befits the conversion of the historic hostelry into the Elstree Shtiebel. They don't use any electrical equipment for 24 hours on Friday. Someone knocks on our window to ask my husband to turn on and off their air-conditioning, lights etc.

My top ten ways to stay cool:

v  Open all windows in the cool of the morning.

v  Close them when the air heats up.

v  Wear light, cotton clothing.

v  Don't go outside in the hottest time of the day.

v  Keep occupied by reading or writing.

v  Wash face and hands often.

v  Maintain fluids.

v  Eat lighter meals.

v  Keep a sense of humor.

How do you handle a heat wave?


The Great Gordino link
7/18/2013 07:48:17 pm

Hi Francene,
Shame that robbery means your windows are shut.

In the heat I always keep my fluid intake up, something I learnt from marathon training, and running my wrists under the tap helps to cool down if it gets too much!

Stay cool!
Cheers,
Gordon

Francene Stanley link
7/19/2013 03:03:12 am

The wrists tip is a good one.

Sweety link
7/18/2013 08:19:23 pm

Just read today in news how England is suffering from the heat wave & how the houses are not equipped to handle even 30 degrees of temperatures. You know in India the temperature goes upto 45 also!! But we are used to it.

The points you mentioned are good, have lots of water, be safe.

Francene Stanley link
7/19/2013 03:04:55 am

We rarely have hot weather. It usually doesn't last. That would make it uneconomical to build houses to withstand the heat. I aggree with you. It's best to acclimatize.

Sophie Bowns link
7/18/2013 08:48:57 pm

It seems that people are never satisfied (in general) People say that they want snow, but when we do get it the country goes into a mad panic! It's the same with a 'mini heatwave' with hosepipe bans etc! But I do agree that we're not really properly equipped!

Francene Stanley link
7/19/2013 03:06:04 am

As a former Australian, I notice that complaining about the weather is a national past time in England. ;-)

Amy link
7/18/2013 11:08:59 pm

Francene, you need a dog! He wouldn't have to be vicious to scare away a would-be burglar, just attached to you. I am so sorry that crime is such a problem in your area that you have to lock your windows at night, and that your temps have been so hot. I think you're spot-on with your tips to beat the heat. Stay safe, my friend!!

Francene Stanley link
7/19/2013 03:07:08 am

I long to have another day, but unfortunately, I can't care for it. But a barking animal would do the trick.

Francene Stanley link
7/19/2013 03:08:02 am

I mean I long to have another dog another day. ;-)

Alana link
7/19/2013 08:25:07 am

I am sorry to hear that you have to lock your windows at night. So many of us have to, in the United States. I suspect air conditioning is more common in our country but if you are poor or on a pension you can't afford the electric bill. Cities here try to set up heating shelters with air conditioning. Supermarkets, shopping centers, etc. here have air conditioning but my son works in a factory and has to endure our heat (got up to 33C today).


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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