Sultry July

It has been a hot July with humidity making it feel even hotter. There have been a number of days with temperatures over 30°C (86°F) but feeling like closer to 40° (104).  Thank goodness for air-conditioning. Though we did often enjoy suppers on our balcony. I don't know how those without AC cope.  Some rain towards the end of the month greened up the grass again. But often, it only increased the humidity.



This pond is shallow. Even the ducks looked for shady spots to stay cool in the water.



Moving slowly, stopping to enjoy their antics, parking oneself on a bench in the park under a tree - all strategies to stay cool and still get outside.



Flowers, too, were a reason to stop on a walk. Just be in the moment and forget about the heat.



When the mornings were cooler I managed a few long walks up the hill in Westmount where I was rewarded with a view over part of the city out to the river.



While this sunflower stood up straight...



Others, like me, had had enough of the heat.



One can always cool off in a museum (though not this one! - The Redpath Museum was built in 1882 and there is no air conditioning). I went to hear Lynn Kozak, a McGill classics professor, do a one woman (with a little help) show of part of The Iliad. She has been doing a serialized performance of the complete Iliad over 30 weeks. You can see videos here.



And so July has gone, but the hot weather remains. I will venture out to check out the ducks, linger near flowers, to run a few errands, to return home to a cold glass of water and a feeling that I have not yet let summer get the better of me.

Lilies

Photos July 13, 2016

A hot, humid day - it is like walking into a jungle. For anyone who lives in a dry climate, heat here is calculated based on both the temperature and the relative humidity which makes everything feel much hotter than it is.

This was the temperature at 4:00 (it had gone down slightly). 32°C is equivalent to about 90°F and the Humidex indicates 41 or almost 106°F. While I don't completely agree with the humidex numbers, it was hot and sticky. 

The flowers seem to be enjoying it. Their bright, faces reached up, enticing insects to play among their pollen. I am not quite as comfortable as they are in this weather!

Summer Moments

Time seems to have slipped through my fingers this summer. Life is like that sometimes. Time sometimes speeds along and then it seems to fall into a morass. It takes me time to adjust to the lack of schedule of summer... no concerts, no work, no courses, just endless time to fill up. Sometimes I fill it well (I've been working my way through a music theory text) and other times hours pass with not much accomplished. Some weeks I walk a lot - my fitbit registers my many steps. Then the heat of summer settles in and I cocoon in my air conditioned home.



My walks take me all over the city. Here I passed people enjoying a cooler summer day, lingering and enjoying the outdoor space. An impromptu performance on a public piano - summer moments.



You never know who (or what) you will meet - opportunities for conversation starters! This fellow drew a crowd.



Or just times for inner dialogue.




Time for summer theatre - life moves outdoors at a leisurely pace in the summer. Even a few raindrops don't deter the majority of the audience.

August has crept up and I feel the pressure of filling up these next weeks productively... books to read before the autumn schedule imposes constraints, people to see, music to play... And get my camera out more to observe and stop and enjoy these summer moments.

Outdoor Breakfast

A beautiful summer morning, an outdoor "terrasse", a friend with whom to enjoy it all - breakfast at Duc de Lorraine. Our days of outdoor eating are numbered in Montreal, so we all try to take advantage of them.



Time to linger a little longer than in the busy days the rest of the year. Ah summer.

Early in the Day

Early in the Day, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

We have had a spate of hot, humid weather with some violent thunder showers. I'm a cool weather person and tend to stay indoors when the temperate soars. For those who think in Fahrenheit, 33 is about 91F and with the humidity it felt like much more.



Later in the day a wall of rain came down, creating ponds in the road.



Manhole covers spouted water. One near us was pushed partway off the hole it was meant to cover. Fortunately it was quickly put back in place by the city workers.

This cycle of high heat and humidity was repeated (July 19), but with a less violent storm.

         

These pictures were taken just before the rain started. We now have great views into the distance. The lightning provided a dramatic light show. Finally the heat has broken and we expect several days of pleasant summer weather.

Aug 20/10: Theatre in the Park

Aug 20/10: Theatre in the Park, originally uploaded by susanvg.

An evening spent outdoors in the local park watching Romeo and Juliet with Repercussion Theatre. It's a wonderful way to spend a summer evening. People of all ages spread blankets, sit on lawn chairs and, as the light fades, the action begins.

July 17/10: Dog Days of Summer

July 17/10: Dog Days of Summer, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The heat continues, punctuated by some heavy showers. Today, again we have a severe thunderstorm watch in the weather forecast. The hot sun is obscured by clouds now and rumbles can be heard. If you want to know about the expression "the dog days of summer" click here.

This morning we had brunch at a restaurant and tried to stay cool indoors with no air conditioning. The coffee did not help cool me down. This dog was on the outdoor terrace (photo through the window), happily munching on ice from a bowl.

I am not a fan of the heat, especially with the high humidity. Maybe munching on ice is the answer - or at least on ice cream.

In the space of writing this - the rains started, pelting on the roof. It will soon pass, hopefully leaving cooler temperatures behind it.

June 21/10: Longest Day

June 21/10: Longest Day, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It is the solstice, the longest day of the year. Here in Montreal the sun set at 8:47 pm. I love the longer days, the opportunity to linger over a dinner outdoors, evening strolls in daylight. The light gives a sense of well-being. And there is a lightness to living - as I step outside in the same clothes I wear indoors. No layers of clothes to insulate me against the weather, I can feel the weather on my skin. This evening, was a pleasant 20C (68F). Summer is officially here.

Day 220: Unruly Garden

Day 220: Unruly Garden, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Despite my being away for a month, my garden thrived in this rainy summer. No need for watering (not that I do that unless in drought conditions), my perennials have proliferated, showing off their colours. Weeds, too, have taken hold and my assault on them has begun. It has been good to see bees enjoying the floral feast; they are so essential to the continuation of so much that grows.