Scorcio! Our third heatwave this summer (so far) and temperatures have, surprisingly, been scorching!
This current heatwave could last a couple of weeks, the weather people reckon, with temperatures in excess of 30o C (86o F) for possibly ten consecutive days. It reminds me of the summer of 1976, the “Year of the Drought.” We had just moved in to our first house, Victoria Cottage in Radway, and we spent the summer renovating, especially the roof as there was a section of missing slates at the back. The weather was grand – bright and sunny – although I don’t remember it being quite as stiflingly hot as it has been these last couple of days. We spent most of that summer working on the house and then, at the end of August when we had just about finished, we decided to take a short break, coincidentally just as the weather broke.
And, in another reminder of the drought of ’76, our water board has just announced an indefinite hosepipe ban.
After a third heatwave this summer, water supplies and river levels are under pressure. To help protect local rivers and keep taps flowing, we’re bringing in a hosepipe ban. We need your help, so please follow the restrictions and reduce water use where you can. Find out more: anglianwater.co.uk/hosepipe
Yes, this is the same water company that left us with dribblingly low water pressure for a couple of days just after they fixed the problem which left us completely without water for two days last month. And, it’s the same water company that pays its Chief Executive in excess of £1m each year and the same water company which loses about 186.5 million litres of water through leaks in their network every day! And, apparently, Anglian Water has one of the more efficient water networks in the UK. That almost falls into the YCNMIU category. Still, first world problems.
Those of you who are Facebook friends with Nick will know that he has just finished his latest round of chemo and radiotherapy treatment. He’s now got a bit of time off (for good behaviour) and is currently in the Shetlands where, apparently, the temperature is a considerably more acceptable 15o. Enjoy!
With all the hot weather we’ve been having, the BBC helpfully put together a little piece with some interesting titbits about ice cream.
In 1768 a Frenchman known as Monsieur Emy published a compilation of ice cream recipes with flavours including artichoke, avocado, anise, violet, asparagus, grated cheese and even whale vomit!
BBC
Many of you know that I have made ice cream with some “interesting” flavours in the past. Sage, Fennel, Bourbon and, of course, liquorice. My liquorice ice cream is renowned throughout our friendship group – even those who are not keen on liquorice often tend to enjoy it, especially when paired with pecan pie. Either that or they’re simply being kind. But, I’ve never tried to make Whale Vomit ice cream. How would I start – by getting some whale vomit, I guess.
Whale vomit, or ambergris, is a waxy, solid substance produced in the digestive tract of sperm whales to coat sharp squid beaks. Over years of floating in the ocean, it cures into a prized, musky ingredient used in high-end perfumery to make scents last longer. Buying and selling it is a legal gray area; while trade is legal in the UK, it is illegal in countries like the US due to endangered species laws. When available, it trades at roughly $10,000 $30,000 per kilogram.
Who knew? Still, it’s probably a bit too pricey for me.
Upcoming birthdays? Happy Birthday and best wishes to our Adam and to my sister Sallie’s daughter Lisa, both of whom will celebrate another journey around the sun on Saturday. One of them is a little bit older than the other.
Finally, another achievement for our Superstar Jessie. Well done – we love you.
And finally, finally . . .
I told you the hollyhocks have been amazing!
Meanwhile, keep breathing, keep happy, keep smiling, keep exercising, be good, be careful, and keep safe. And, be gentle to wasps and bees – we need all the pollinators we can get. And, hold your loved ones close.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg