Summer Heat

[ktanker]

So today is Tuesday July 21st. I live in the DFW area. Our summer heat has kicked in. I mean I know, it happens every year and we have been here now 14 years. I will never get used to it, especially with hot flashes these days. But in the last year, we noticed our cocker spaniel, Dominic, who has an enlarged heart and heart murmur, likes it colder. My husband was noticing him going to the tiled rooms to rest. My husband researched it and it turns out his condition might make him feel hotter on average. So we cranked the AC down (65 during the day and 61 at night) and took all the blankets off the couch. He seems a lot better. Stays on the leather couch longer. He's also gotten to love evening walks. Short ones for his heart condition but we do one walk an hour from like 7 pm til bedtime. He knows this and asks for it.

This week we are 100+ every day so it will not cool off enough to walk most nights. After dark, the pavement gets better but the temperature can still be too much for him. The house can't hold the temps that he and I both like to stay cool (my husband is in long sleeves, pants and under an electric blanket lol).

Soooooo.... that leads to my question. Where in the world do you live and what's the temperature right now? Does it feel hot/cool/humid? We have seriously considered an extended vacation to somewhere with good AC AND temps that won't keep Dominic from his nightly walks. Dominic can't fly on a plane so we were looking anywhere we can safely drive over a couple of days or so. I have heard though that it's just hot everywhere so my escape plan might be a lovely dream.

What do you do to keep your house as cold as you like? Anyone else have "summer blues" or like to hibernate indoors during the summer?

 

[Marif]

So sweet that you adjust for your pup! That sounds so cold, to me, but I'm glad it's helping him

I live in Ottawa, Canada. It's not a bad summer, the heat has been nice most of the time with a few days here and there feeling much warmer and/or really humid.
Our AC works well and we manage to keep the house how we like it. And when it's too hot we very much "hibernate indoors" ("summernate"? lol).

My son doesn't tolerate heat to well, though, and I wonder if the two things we do for him could work for your pup if the vacation doesn't happen.
The first is a pool in the backyard. Maybe on the days he can't have walks, he could have a swim in the evening?
The second is walking in the mall or store. And while the malls likely wouldn't let a dog in, you could do pet store and most hardware store do (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.).

 

[Meliora]

I live in Norway and heat is usually not a problem here. We have had a couple days last week with around 89 and that is unusually hot! A couple of days ago it was 57 and rain

When Norwegians say we have had a great summer, we have been blessed with at least a couple of weeks with75+. Not yet here where I live So if you (or your dog) is feeling hot- may I invite you to Norway?

 

[aussiegirl]

Here in MI, we get hot and humid. The humidity can be worse than the heat somedays! When it feels like a sauna and you are already hot, but the temps themselves aren't all that high yet. I know out west is better. Arizona and the like have the high temps, but it's a dry heat, so they don't get the humidity!

Very sweet that you are looking for ways to keep your pup cooler! I like the idea of a small pool for your pup. We have a small kiddy pool for our doggo. Ours also likes the tile or even hard wood floor over carpet or even furniture. Some nights we find her laying in the bathroom doorway.

 

[carrie1977]

I'm in Central California. Our temperatures are in the 100 degree ranges as well. We haven't even reached our extreme highs yet. Right now, we've been in the low 100s. We can reach between 110-115 degrees. That's no bueno.

 

[karlimarie]

I’m in North Carolina and I much prefer the heat over cold. The highs this week were in the high 90s. It’s 7:30pm here and 86 degrees.

It’s not so much the heat but the humidity that gets oppressive. I’d still rather sweat than shiver though!

We use the AC mostly to keep the humidity at bay. During the day we keep it at 80 and overnight down to 78. The lowest I’ll turn it is 76 when we have company coming. But if I have to keep it that cold for any length of time I’ll probably need to wear a light sweater.

Our house is a split-level, so technically 3 stories. The basement stays very cool in the summer, the bedrooms are warmer but they all have ceiling fans which helps.

This summer we’ve “hibernated” more than usual but it’s not really because of the heat- more because of the phase of life and how the schools run here. We used to do playgroup play dates all summer long and mini-summer camps. But now that our kids are all in school- some of them year-round school, we just haven’t gotten together as much. Most summers we are out and about- heat or not!

I do tend to hibernate in the winter though. I say goodbye to my friends around Thanksgiving or when the weather gets below 40 and tell them I’ll see them in the spring. We do get together a couple of times over the winter but I hate park playdates when it’s too chilly.

I’d suggest a dog pool too! My parents have one for their pups and they love it.

 

[cherrygutz]

I just want the in between of hot and cold. I don't like the heat and I don't like very cold weather.
I bought a stand fan where you can remove a short part of the fan up to the head for our cat and dog. Because sometimes the heat was too high outside it affects the inside, I also have a water spayer I put in the fridge so it would be cold. We have 2 pup pool and two grass sprinkler, buy Max doesn't like to go out either. Not even inside the garage.

 

[ktanker]

So sweet that you adjust for your pup! That sounds so cold, to me, but I'm glad it's helping him

I live in Ottawa, Canada. It's not a bad summer, the heat has been nice most of the time with a few days here and there feeling much warmer and/or really humid.
Our AC works well and we manage to keep the house how we like it. And when it's too hot we very much "hibernate indoors" ("summernate"? lol).

My son doesn't tolerate heat to well, though, and I wonder if the two things we do for him could work for your pup if the vacation doesn't happen.
The first is a pool in the backyard. Maybe on the days he can't have walks, he could have a swim in the evening?
The second is walking in the mall or store. And while the malls likely wouldn't let a dog in, you could do pet store and most hardware store do (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.).

oh it's very cold for sure, but I have adapted to it, thanks perimenopause, ha ha. I have cold flashes too though but I love being cold and getting under a blanket.

Your ideas are great. We don't have room for a pool, really even a small kiddie one that could be in the shade. I've thought about that and how I could rearrange the patio. But he is also a cocker spaniel and his hair is on the short side but boy I would hate to dry him. lol. I do know another cocker owner whose cocker babies LOVE their big pool. I am super jealous of how much fun they seem to have in it. It's worth revisiting.

Our dog though unfortunately is anxiety ridden and he barks at everyone and everything so he can't go in the usual places dogs are allowed. He is on prozac and that has helped but he is just so vocal. His walks at home are about half a block and back. He barks at the cars waiting at the stop sign, there is a kid on a bike that boy he loves to "yell at" for speeding on his e-bike lmbo... and he barks at all the "puppy stealers" which is our nod to 101 Dalmatians, aka the motorcycles. He likes to bunny hunt too. We have affectionally named our neighborhood bunnies Roger, Jessica and Judy Hopps. They seem to like him now and come to our yard to lovingly leave their scent for him to track. It's so funny.

 

[ktanker]

I live in Norway and heat is usually not a problem here. We have had a couple days last week with around 89 and that is unusually hot! A couple of days ago it was 57 and rain

When Norwegians say we have had a great summer, we have been blessed with at least a couple of weeks with75+. Not yet here where I live So if you (or your dog) is feeling hot- may I invite you to Norway?

You know, we are such fans of the Norwegians and Norway especially lately. They made a huge impression here in Dallas. Our local news was filled with fun, upbeat stories about the team/fans. We talk about how much we wish the team had won the world cup. I guess because we talk about it so much lately that I got a facebook post yesterday with the most adorable cottage in Norway. I shared it with my husband because I was like wow, what a beautiful place. I could absolutely visit or even move! We lived in England for a bit and traveled to Scotland for a short while so it's not something we are overly unfamiliar with.

 

[ktanker]

I’m in North Carolina and I much prefer the heat over cold. The highs this week were in the high 90s. It’s 7:30pm here and 86 degrees.

It’s not so much the heat but the humidity that gets oppressive. I’d still rather sweat than shiver though!

We use the AC mostly to keep the humidity at bay. During the day we keep it at 80 and overnight down to 78. The lowest I’ll turn it is 76 when we have company coming. But if I have to keep it that cold for any length of time I’ll probably need to wear a light sweater.

Our house is a split-level, so technically 3 stories. The basement stays very cool in the summer, the bedrooms are warmer but they all have ceiling fans which helps.

This summer we’ve “hibernated” more than usual but it’s not really because of the heat- more because of the phase of life and how the schools run here. We used to do playgroup play dates all summer long and mini-summer camps. But now that our kids are all in school- some of them year-round school, we just haven’t gotten together as much. Most summers we are out and about- heat or not!

I do tend to hibernate in the winter though. I say goodbye to my friends around Thanksgiving or when the weather gets below 40 and tell them I’ll see them in the spring. We do get together a couple of times over the winter but I hate park playdates when it’s too chilly.

I’d suggest a dog pool too! My parents have one for their pups and they love it.

You and my husband would get along. He told me once when he was deployed that it was very hot and the pavement temp'd at over 90 degrees and he would just lay down and "enjoy the warmth". I remember looking at him and questioning our soulmate status . If it weren't for the dog, he'd probably be battling me on the thermostat. We were talking about North Carolina and I wondered if it felt a lot hotter there because 86 is practically freezing here but with the humidity we are getting some days, it's miserable even in the 80's.

 

[ktanker]

I'm in Central California. Our temperatures are in the 100 degree ranges as well. We haven't even reached our extreme highs yet. Right now, we've been in the low 100s. We can reach between 110-115 degrees. That's no bueno.

holy cow, I had no idea it got that hot there! One idea we had was to come to disneyland and live nearby for a month but that probably wouldn't work. We usually go to disney world but heck it might be cooler there even now! lol

 

[angiekey]

I also live in the DFW metroplex, and the heat is KILLER. I have a central nervous system sensitivity disorder plus chronic daily migraines, and heat is an instant trigger for me. We've invested in making our home as temperature-proof as we can, with radiant barrier in the attic, high-quality insulation and new windows, and a high-SEER air conditioner ... so I can keep it 72 inside during the day. Plus I have a small unit that's on wheels and vents out the window in my studio (which happens to be the hottest room of the house) and I can get it down to 68 in there.

But yeah, I stay indoors ALL summer long.

We're headed to Maine for a long vacation where it's low 80's during the day and mid-50's at night and I am SO ready to go!

I will say this - at least DFW doesn't have the godawful humidity of San Antonio or, even worse, Houston. I can't breathe during the summertime there! The air is like soup.

Good luck staying cool! And you're a good dog family for keeping it cool! My Maggie had congestive heart failure and keeping her body cool was a top priority for us. She was with us several years longer than the vet estimated and part of it was because we lessened the load on her heart - the heat is a big part of that!

 

[ktanker]

I just want the in between of hot and cold. I don't like the heat and I don't like very cold weather.
I bought a stand fan where you can remove a short part of the fan up to the head for our cat and dog. Because sometimes the heat was too high outside it affects the inside, I also have a water spayer I put in the fridge so it would be cold. We have 2 pup pool and two grass sprinkler, buy Max doesn't like to go out either. Not even inside the garage.

Our garage is like roasting in an oven! You know we really didn't even have the cold this last year. Only a few weeks really did we get freezing or below freezing. I love sitting on the patio in 50s/60s but can even be happy in 40s. My husband will light the chiminea (no idea how to spell that). I can't imagine what it would be like to have proper winter again.

 

[ktanker]

I also live in the DFW metroplex, and the heat is KILLER. I have a central nervous system sensitivity disorder plus chronic daily migraines, and heat is an instant trigger for me. We've invested in making our home as temperature-proof as we can, with radiant barrier in the attic, high-quality insulation and new windows, and a high-SEER air conditioner ... so I can keep it 72 inside during the day. Plus I have a small unit that's on wheels and vents out the window in my studio (which happens to be the hottest room of the house) and I can get it down to 68 in there.

But yeah, I stay indoors ALL summer long.

We're headed to Maine for a long vacation where it's low 80's during the day and mid-50's at night and I am SO ready to go!

I will say this - at least DFW doesn't have the godawful humidity of San Antonio or, even worse, Houston. I can't breathe during the summertime there! The air is like soup.

Good luck staying cool! And you're a good dog family for keeping it cool! My Maggie had congestive heart failure and keeping her body cool was a top priority for us. She was with us several years longer than the vet estimated and part of it was because we lessened the load on her heart - the heat is a big part of that!

oh hi neighbor. or neighbor-ish as the dfw area goes. We live just north of Frisco/Little Elm. What about you?
We did almost go to Houston and I am so glad we didn't. I can't bear the extra humidity. It fills my lungs like concrete.

I would love to hear how it is for you guys in Maine. We have been looking at weather all over which prompted this post really. Salem MA is on my wishlist to visit (lol, I told my husband I need to go join my coven, he giggled lol and I am already watching Halloween to give the impression of cool). We have several areas in Montana and Wyoming on our wishlist too. In a pinch maybe Colorado. I just know almost nothing of the weather or how things are up there for a long(ish) vacation. Since we can't fly with our dog, we thought of renting an RV and making a whole trip out of it. We travel with food allergies too so it would be a bonus to have our own mini kitchen.

I am glad to hear about Maggie. Our vet says scary stuff like "could drop dead any moment" but Dominic is only 11. Our last black cocker lived to over 17. We know that's unrealistic but every minute, day, month, year(S!!) we get are worth it. So thanks for sharing that with me.

 

[angiekey]

oh hi neighbor. or neighbor-ish as the dfw area goes. We live just north of Frisco/Little Elm. What about you?
We did almost go to Houston and I am so glad we didn't. I can't bear the extra humidity. It fills my lungs like concrete.

I would love to hear how it is for you guys in Maine. We have been looking at weather all over which prompted this post really. Salem MA is on my wishlist to visit (lol, I told my husband I need to go join my coven, he giggled lol and I am already watching Halloween to give the impression of cool). We have several areas in Montana and Wyoming on our wishlist too. In a pinch maybe Colorado. I just know almost nothing of the weather or how things are up there for a long(ish) vacation. Since we can't fly with our dog, we thought of renting an RV and making a whole trip out of it. We travel with food allergies too so it would be a bonus to have our own mini kitchen.

I am glad to hear about Maggie. Our vet says scary stuff like "could drop dead any moment" but Dominic is only 11. Our last black cocker lived to over 17. We know that's unrealistic but every minute, day, month, year(S!!) we get are worth it. So thanks for sharing that with me.

Hey, as spread out as we are here at SSD, you and I practically live next door to one another!

After spending two decades in Richardson and Plano, we moved to Princeton - which is essentially a suburb of McKinney - about seven years ago when my husband began working for L3/Harris in Greenville. We're a 10-15 minute drive from downtown McKinney, just a bit to the east, about halfway between McKinney and Farmersville. Princeton is growing crazy fast, and the construction on 380 can't get done with quickly enough!

We went to Maine to visit our friends 3 or 4 years ago, and it was a fantastic summer break. It's a long drive, though - 28 hours if you attempt to drive it straight - so this time we're flying to Boston and driving to Kennebunk.

A road trip in an RV sounds ideal for your family! Anywhere north would be a great escape from the heat. Yellowstone is lovely - Montana and Wyoming for sure, if the altitude doesn't bother you - or the northern part of the Pacific Northwest like Washington state or across the border in Vancouver. My one complaint about the northeast is the crazy traffic, especially this time of year, especially on the weekends. People who work as far south as the Northern Virginia & Washington D.C. area head north to get out of the heat - Connecticut, Vancouver, New Hampshire, Maine - and it's bumper-to-bumper misery.

 

[ktanker]

Hey, as spread out as we are here at SSD, you and I practically live next door to one another!

After spending two decades in Richardson and Plano, we moved to Princeton - which is essentially a suburb of McKinney - about seven years ago when my husband began working for L3/Harris in Greenville. We're a 10-15 minute drive from downtown McKinney, just a bit to the east, about halfway between McKinney and Farmersville. Princeton is growing crazy fast, and the construction on 380 can't get done with quickly enough!

We went to Maine to visit our friends 3 or 4 years ago, and it was a fantastic summer break. It's a long drive, though - 28 hours if you attempt to drive it straight - so this time we're flying to Boston and driving to Kennebunk.

A road trip in an RV sounds ideal for your family! Anywhere north would be a great escape from the heat. Yellowstone is lovely - Montana and Wyoming for sure, if the altitude doesn't bother you - or the northern part of the Pacific Northwest like Washington state or across the border in Vancouver. My one complaint about the northeast is the crazy traffic, especially this time of year, especially on the weekends. People who work as far south as the Northern Virginia & Washington D.C. area head north to get out of the heat - Connecticut, Vancouver, New Hampshire, Maine - and it's bumper-to-bumper misery.

oh wow, we are definitely closer than you think. My husband works at Raytheon McKinney and my niece works at L3 in Greenville. My husband said oh I bet his commute is a pain right now. We started out in Plano. Hubs worked at HP at Legacy then moved to Raytheon in Garland and was at Cityline when it opened. What a crazy small world. I know all about the area you are in and it is growing very fast. We had that same thing happen on this side of 380. The traffic though, man. It's worse than ever. I really wanted to consider moving to the new Erwin Farms homes a few years back but we are locked in at 2.5% over here and that's hard to let go. I'll catch up more tomorrow as both boys have gone up to bed but I just had to write back because it's so cool how much in common we really have!