Thursday 2 July 2015

Summertime Blues

I know that British people have a reputation for being obsessed with the weather and I’m about to reinforce that stereotype because -  I really hate hot weather. It's something that I hardly dare say out loud because we get so little sunny weather and it seems as if just about everybody else in the country loves it. A few days of sun and people suddenly seem to have a spring in their step and a smile on their face. It's downright disturbing but that's not why I hate it so much.

I suppose the main reason is I’m not genetically built for spending time basking out in the sun. I don't have the colouring for it, my Irish ancestors put paid to that. Any length of time outdoors, when the sun is blazing, leads to my skin turning a very unattractive shade of red. I also have been known to suffer from prickly heat and once my head swelled to almost the size of a pumpkin. So you see, not only do I hate the sun, the sun hates me right back. 

Quite apart from my own personal discomfort though, every year I find myself unprepared for the assault on my senses that the sun seems to bring with it. First off, I can only assume that some people are on a mission to save water because they most definitely don't shower on a daily basis. In winter, this is obviously less of an issue but, come summer I am left quite literally reeling from the effects of the unwashed. 

Next up there's the noise. A little bit of sun and everybody wants to conduct every bit of their private business al fresco. Frankly, I don't want to listen to people having angry domestics in their gardens. Neither do I want to listen to their bedroom antics or their choice of music, played out at some ear splitting decibel level. Take it indoors I say.

Worst of all though has to be the fashion abominations that the sun springs forth. Now I am no body fascist, believe you me I can't afford to be, but I do not flaunt my love handles for all to see. No, they remain discreetly covered at all times thank you very much. I'm sure we would all agree that a positive body image can only be a good thing, but I'm afraid it only rings true in winter. The sun shines and common decency seems to go out of the window. I’m sorry to sound harsh but obesity and cropped tops do not make good bedfellows and ditto short shorts. 

You may think that my objections to the sun sound shallow and curmudgeonly and they quite possibly are. I will certainly admit that I’m no fun lover and there lies the problem; the first sign of hot weather and people become almost deranged in their desperate pursuit of all things fun. It probably stems from the fact that so much of our climate involves rain, rain and well, more rain. But that's almost preferable to seeing fully grown up people indulging in water fights or pot bellied men wearing no shirts. 

So call me a killjoy but I am already done with summer, and that's after only a week of sunny weather. Give me a stylish winter coat and a pair of boots any day of the week!

8 comments:

  1. You know I am totally with you on this one, don't you? The only good thing about July is that it's one month nearer to October than June.

    When I lived by the seaside, we (people who lived there) always commented on this: the fatter the person, the fewer clothes they wore....

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    1. Just got you Terry - you meant the 3 comments on here didn't you :D I'm already fantasising about layering up and jumpers so there's not much chance I'm going to be getting any flab out :D

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  2. I agree with every word E! I'm sitting here with the fan on full blast beside me, because obviously I am decently clothed and I long for the temperature to drop a bit. Spring and Autumn are my seasons - a clear warm day with a light breeze is all I ask for. I suffer from prickly heat as soon as it gets hot and don't tan, my Celtic roots see to that so I am fully in agreement with your thoughts on this...and as for fun?? Pah to that...

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    1. I love Autumn, G. I'm never happier than in a chunky knit cardi. Mind you what excuse will we have for eating our body weight in Magnums once the weather breaks :D

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    2. Yup, having everything covered up and tucked in makes me content, comfortable and snuggly E...bring on Autumn ;-)

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    3. ...Oooh and we need no excuses just the desire ;-)

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  3. Me too! I struggle in this weather, hate feeling hot and sweaty. A happy medium would be good, pleasant and not too hot. My favourite kind of day is cold, crisp and sunny. Boots and winter clothes for me :-D

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    1. My favourite kind of day, Cathy, is one where I can wear a cardi. I think, truth be said, there are more of us autumn people out there than sun worshippers :D

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