Today will hit over 105F (40C) where I live – inland, temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees F hotter. We stay indoors, close the windows and shutters, keeping the house dark and gloomy, only opening the shutters as the sun travels east to west. The air conditioning is put on when the house reaches about 80F. Then, you plop down, to conserve your own energy as well as electric energy – air conditioning is set no lower than 76F to help the grid and hopefully avoid a black out. Everything you can charge gets charged before the heat of the day begins, just to be safe: phone, laptops, tablets. I just wish I could charge myself as all this makes me a blob.
The first year after we moved inland 20 miles from the coast was pleasant in our valley. The next summer was like the weather we are having now – hot, hot, hot. It was hot all that second summer. This summer we have had a few weeks of such heat mixed with cooler periods. I guess I shouldn’t complain. However, that second summer I got what I thought was the flu. I was exhausted, sniffly, and weak for days. It wasn’t the flu. Instead, I was dehydrated despite drinking water and close to heat exhaustion. Flu symptoms and overheating symptoms are very much the same, at least for me.
Enter the coronavirus. So many different symptoms. And the heat is here. What is going on? Yesterday, I was dead tired – again, not my usual feeling. Chills. Flu? Coronavirus? Heat? No fever, drinking Gatorade, and two naps later, I was still tired. This morning I feel more human, but still tired.
It is a strange feeling when you don’t know what is going on. Is it real? Is it a symptom of something serious? Do I have coronavirus, the flu, or am I just in need of more water and Gatorade? Are my allergies the reason for the cough or is it the air conditioning?
Heat makes you crazier than you already are.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
The heat alone would explain your exhaustion. I wish you rest and recuperation.
Thanks, Laura Kate. I agree. It’s just weird!
I’m with you -N! I feel like I’m in a cycle where I can get out. Too hot, too smokey, too pandemic y! I’m almost through the Big Living; Tiny House videos on You Tube. I’ve gotten into that because there’s nothing else on TV that offers a 30 minute respite from the day. Fortunately I get exercise early in the morning by walking the dog. The rest of the day I keep busy with photography, blogging, writing. Push yourself to start a project. I’d love to see more of your paintings! Feel better and take care.
Time to get in the car and drive to sit an hour or two on the patio of the in-laws, near the sea breezes? If everyone is outside it should be safe.
Gatorade, ugh. All that sugar can’t be helping. Lots of water, and maybe iced tea.
California ia beginning to sound like India, where it was hot and we could never count on the power staying on.
In my Arizona childhood, we took salt tablets when we played outside in the heat. Try a salty snack.
I sprinkle salt into the palm of my hand and dip a finger into it. We did this during the muggy Illinois summers. Thanks for the thoughts, Kathy!
Actually, the sugar in Gatorade helps. There is also zero sugar in some, and low sugar in others. I drink about a 3rd of a bottle with water and ice. I am also thinking of making my own electrolyte drink (ginger, honey, and a few other goodies), Kathy, but who has the energy?? Also, Ventura is 90F today! Mecca is cooler than where I am – just home from market and the car temp read 106. Poor E&A – 116 at least, and about the same for MM&D!
I hate this hot weather!!
Thanks, Anne! I do have a few projects on hand – sewing, prepping for an online pastels class by getting a web cam with microphone set up and finding out if the chrome book and / or lap top have those options, along with wireless headset with microphone . . . and piles of paper. But I have been painting (go to journeybypaper to see) and binge watching TV. Life all day n the house is not my idea of a good time!
But….it’s a dry heat. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Lay low and stay cool.
Thanks, AV! You, too!
I hate, hot, too!!! It’s currently 91 in “cool” coastal Ventura. And we don’t have AC.
Judy
Well, 91º is better than 105º or 116º, I guess. Hope this weather pattern breaks soon. We had a nasty run of mid-90s and very humid last week — but we have central AC and a reliable power company.
Yeah, Judy, hot is hell, especially when used to cool, coastal weather.