OK–so the first day or two of a summer heat wave can be kind of fun–but if you do not have air conditioning, the continued hot days can become brutal. I don’t have AC and have come up with some great ways to keep my home cool.
The first idea does take time–plant some trees that will shade your home. I planted some maple trees that not only offer lovely and cooling shade, but give a spectacular show in the autumn. I will say, I wish I’d thought to have at least one of the trees be a fruit tree (food! and shade 🙂 ).
Laundry is another big factor for me. I put out a clothes line–and I have also fallen in love with my winged drying rack which I can move around (and even use inside in the cool months. I must say I enjoy how hanging the laundry slows me down–plus I get to listen to the birds and squirrels. I have learned that if I use my dryer for just a few minutes on “Air Dry” (i.e., no heat), the stiffness of the dried clothes is greatly diminished!
And then there is the cooking! Oh, how I wish I had an outside kitchen!! But I’ve found I just about can–I move my crock pots and Instant Pot to my back patio. I have even moved my toaster oven outdoors. You may want to set an alarm on your phone so that you remember to check on your meals since they can become “out of sight, out of mind”. And remember about cold dishes, too–chicken or salmon salad, gazpacho, fruit soups, etc.
And to keep cool myself, I love adding Stellaria media tincture (chickweed) to my water. About 15 – 30 drops in a large glass of water provides a cooling effect. Water infused with cucumber slices is also cooling.
Enjoy your summer!!
