"It's a Dry Heat"
by Nori Muster
The weather is beautiful from late fall to spring. However, part of the year
the great outdoors feels like a giant hair dryer is on, even at night.
However, don't let the number of degrees scare you. Ninety-seven here can
feels like a slightly warm, 78 degree day in Los Angeles.
If you want to see what the worst is like, visit
in June or July, coincidentally the hottest real estate season.
I have lived here on and off since 1970, including many summer months.
Here are my tips for surviving the heat:
Work indoors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when possible, do errands in
the morning or evening.
Set the thermostat at 80 degrees. If you keep
the interior space warmer, it is less a shock to your system when you have to
go out into 100 degree (plus) weather. You adjust your internal thermostat
to feel okay in warmer temperatures. (This will reduce your tolerance for
the cold.)
Wear sunblock and stay out of the sun if you go outside from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tint your car windows to prevent burning your hands on the stearing wheel or
being branded by the seat belt.
Buy a home that incorporates passive solar features, such as shade trees, no
west facing windows, etc.
Go in the pool every day, if possible. It's perfect swimming weather because
the water is warm and the air is warm when you get out.
Keep a water spray bottle close by to mist yourself if it gets too warm inside and
you don't have time to go in the pool.
Drink lots of water to avoid heat fatigue. Always carry
water in your car for emergencies. Dehydration is a real danger here in the summer.
Remember that most commercial buildings set their thermostat at 62 degrees, so
if you want a break from the heat, go to the mall or movie theater. Bring a
sweater.
If you follow even some of these simple rules, you will
learn to love the hot summers. It's a unique lifestyle and you get bragging rights
after only one summer.
You can turn your water heater off
(hot water comes out of both taps). You can sleep with no covers.
You can get away with shorts,
big sunglasses, and funny hats - everyone does it. It is true that you can
make tea by setting a bottle of water
with tea bags in your driveway. Not sure about fying an egg on the sidewalk, but
people say they've done it.
Always remember: "It's a dry heat!" That's practically our state motto!!
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