Coolin’ it

I’ve been rising rather close to dawn these days, scurrying to get the cats out for their morning meanders beneath the canopy cool of our backyard, water dish in tow. It’s delightfully shady and fresh and such a nice way to begin any day. But the heat and humidity have been so intense, and so [...]

Article content I’ve been rising rather close to dawn these days, scurrying to get the cats out for their morning meanders beneath the canopy cool of our backyard, water dish in tow. It’s delightfully shady and fresh and such a nice way to begin any day. But the heat and humidity have been so intense, and so early, we’re back inside for their usual eight-ish breakfast, if we’re lucky.

Temperatures drive midsummer deadlines as we try to keep our old cats happy. Then there’s a whole steamy summer’s day ahead to choose, or chase, ever so slowly, anything that keeps us cool. Thought of this watching a young couple walking through Stirling village in the heat, wearing thick, traditional clothing.

From long sleeves and dark colours to black bonnets on both mother and daughter, and thickly-bearded father beneath a wide-brim hat, they made their way across to an air-conditioned business that serves... local ice-cream. We’ve all got our cooling scoops. Recommended Videos I actually used my paper parasol the other day, making my way to a riverside business with not a spot of tree shade left near side-walks.

Hiding, with plenty of chilled glasses for cold drinks and frequent time-outs near the a/c, and we’ve managed to chill fairly well. Wish everyone could. Marshall Road and area residents can’t; ongoing water problems since I worked for Sidney Township, where they then paid their taxes.

In this Century, in this heat, that these long-suffering residents STILL can’t pour potable water for a cold glass or cool shower, is completely unacceptable. Prioritize hooking these urban taxpayers up to city water. Fresh vegetables and fruit from nearby farmer’s fields help too as we often spike our salads with berries, adding watermelon to feta salads on the hottest evenings; water and salt both sating.

And how refreshing to see Luke Hendry report; “A new temporary exhibit at the National Air Force Museum of Canada sheds light on the service of – and discrimination against – Black people in Canada’s military.” This traveling exhibit “developed by the Canadian War Museum in partnership with the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia and the Niagara Military Museum... runs until September.” Air-conditioned comfort with crucial Canadian history.

I picked up a new magazine; Canadian Geographic impressing as I gazed at their July/August cover; Dustin Patar’s photograph of Master-Corporal Neil Kigutaq illustrating part of “a story on the Ranger’s 5,200 – kilometre snowmobile patrol across the Arctic...” Inside, articles “on ancient calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd” and Newfoundland’s “Iceberg Alley” made for a chill issue. But learning “How to make an original Mi’kmaw hockey stick” was best expressed by one of the Mill Brook First Nations’ lads who described playing hockey on their local brooks “day and night” saying; “It was the coolest thing in the world.”

And what an image by Stephen Wilkes of northern caribou passing across Yukon Carcross/Tagish First Nation’s land. Speaking of land; any perch along Bay of Quinte shoreline is bound to invite a fresh breeze, especially balmier evenings. Whether catching a concert or walking the dog, stepping out before sunset feels lovely.

Besides, a new movement called “Everyone Outdoors Together” recently encouraged; “On July 18, people across Canada will be stepping outdoors and sharing a sunset or midnight sun moment as a community.” Didn’t know about this, but might pop out and see ourselves. Maybe catch some cool air.