Living Cave-man Style

To follow up on Kelli’s last … I thought I’d take a moment and give a few lessons learned on how to survive in 40+’C (104’F) heat. Temperatures over the last few days have been torturous, and so we’ve had to learn to improvise a little. Kelli has been sick during most of this episode with a gastro bug that has had her on her back … so I’ve been playing Mr. Mom and learning quite a bit about how to manage affairs without the fall-back of ‘go outside and play!’ It’s fun to go outside every now and then just to suffocate in the heat for a second (at church on Sunday as we were got into the car Savannah turned around at the door and said, “Dad, it’s too hot! I can’t breathe!” … that’s the kind of heat we’re talking about.) … and then return straight to the cool AC air so you can appreciate what’s going on outside!

Growing up we used to poke fun at our Dad that he liked living in a cave. Our living room hard dark walls, the window blinds were often drawn closed, and there were few light sources which would, or even could, penetrate the darkness. I believe he felt it made for the best relaxation atmosphere … and after the last few days I would have to agree with him.

Lesson #1:

If you have even the slightest inkling that you’d like to exercise, you’d better get up at or before 6 in the morning. Even then the temperature is at 33’C (90’F) and only rising as the sun crests the eastern hills.

Lesson #2:

Draw the curtains closed, crank up the AC, and as a last resort lay on the tile floor. We have tile throughout the kitchen, dining and TV room, so the thin carpet we’ve laid in the TV room is perfect for absorbing some cool ‘rays’ off the floor.

Lesson #3:

Don’t even think of turning on the oven or stove. Go outside just long enough to throw some meat on the barbie and then jot back inside … coming out again only long enough to flip the burgers/sausages and then bring them inside.

Lesson #4:

The New Year’s Eve picnic is an inside event – no ifs, ands or buts about it …

Lesson #5:

You’ll need a few ingredients for this one – large banana, heap of strawberries, ice and ice cream. Throw it all in a blender and let it rip. That fresh little smoothy goes down REAL nice.

Lesson #6:

Keep the kids entertained with arts and crafts projects. TV only works for so long and they get cranky and ornery with each other. A little cold dowse of sprite can also do wonders for morale :)

Lesson #7:

As the day wears on, you can always rely on Mr. Penguin to bring some refreshment to the day. Once again you’ll need some ingredients: ice, cordial (very concentrated ‘koolaid’ in liquid form), sprite, and the penguin ice shaving machine (best Christmas present EVER!) After a few cranks of the handle, a sprinkling of sprite and lime cordial and wallah! … you’ve got yourself a treat that keeps the kids quiet for about 3 minutes and gives a much needed boost of rejuvenation.

Lesson #8:

Karaoke! It may require a little too much movement for the conditions, but the kids like the exercise and it’s even fun for Mum and Dad, too! Savannah was so proud to be able to do her ghostbuster dance she learned in school this year.

Lesson #9:

Board games – Candy Land can do wonders … even in the dark.

Lesson #10:

Be prepared to pay through the nose for the AC – because it’s worth every penny!

Cheers, Mates! Here’s to a crazy holiday season!