For the past 5 years I've always loved and looked forward to the English summers... jotting down a list of outside activities, places to visit, parks and pubs to sit out at with a nice cold pint of cider. Feeling that hot sun on my face with the perfect breeze just enough to cool me down, I could sit in the sun all day in England. But then, this year happened. It was freaking HOT; I mean like Houston-hot, a-holiday-abroad hot, and not exaggerating hot, it was hell HOT. And it lasted months, not a couple of weeks which I probably could of managed, probably... probably not. But still, a good 2 months hot. And it would of been all fine and dandy if it was Houston because I could of hid inside the house with my blasting AC. If I needed to go somewhere, well you know how we do - we go from house AC to car AC to store/shop AC, and we're good! Summer? What summer?! But here in England, there was nowhere to hide.
Check out this photo of Dorset last year vs Dorset this year during the heatwave and no rain. You can see how serious this actually was.
As I said in the past, a lot of places in England do not have AC; and our home, like 99% of the homes in Britain do not have AC either. What for? We only have a mild 2-3 months of summer, a standing fan does the job just fine. But nope, not THIS summer, our fan was crap! It was like that time all the electricity went out in Houston for a couple of days because of Hurricane Rita and all we had to cool us off were old album covers that we used as hand fans. OK, it might have not been that bad because there is no humidity here, but at the time it sure did feel like it.
So instead of my little list of outdoor activities, I was online searching for shops where I could order another standing fan to put in the bedroom because the one we already had was worthless. Obviously everyone was feeling the same as we were because no stores ANYWHERE had any more fans in stock. The ones I did end up finding were sold for stupid prices that I refuse to spend money on, same for the air conditioning. So my hard-headed ass chose to suffer and wait out the horrible uncomfortable gross nights.
Now don't get me wrong, the days were OK. It's OK if you are outside, it's actually quite lovely. The beaches were packed with sunbathers, the quay was full of holiday makers, parks full as well. But if you had to be inside - forget it. The double glazed windows do not help the situation either. So we did manage to get out a few days and they were always nice - windows down, AC on, that's how I do. I must say I did and for now still do enjoy going swimming and not have to worry about blow drying my hair after because it's too cold and I might get sick. That has really been nice and something I was really looking forward to this summer (hashtag thelittlethings). Wearing flip flops, tank tops and shorts, having ice cream cones on the quay... some things you just have to do and will always love. It's especially really cool seeing all the excited tourist enjoying themselves, knowing they chose to spend their summer holiday in the town where you live. Sorta makes you feel blessed and proud.
Poole Quay
One of the biggest highlights of the summer and maybe the only highlight was that Steve and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. Yes! Five years, just like that! Where did all that time go? I have no idea. I've been a married woman in love for 5 whole years! Still pretty damn happy, still feeling like newlyweds... honestly, who said married life was hard? I'm not even being funny about that question. Steve and I talk about it all the time and don't get how people say marriage is hard work. What??? How?? *shrugs* Who knows, who cares. I'm just so happy and pray that we have another amazing, healthy 5 years and more together.
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| 5 Years of Sille Bliss! <3 |
Because it is such a special anniversary - the big 5 - we decided to celebrate all year long (because we're silly like that). We started off with the first month we met - April. We planned a very romantic and relaxing holiday on the island of Zante in Greece and what a memorable holiday that was.
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| Zante Greece 2018 |
For our official day of marriage in July, we celebrated with a romantic weekend out on the town doing what we love - afternoon tea (of course), the cinema and food. We also spent one evening on a cruise from the quay to Wareham which was so fun. We've done cruises around Poole harbour before but this was territory we've never been by boat which made it all the more exciting.
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| A romantic movie for the most romantic day - The First Purge |
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| We can't have any celebration without an afternoon tea! |
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| Poole to Wareham cruise |
And the year is not over yet, we still have November to celebrate the month we were married in church. That will be another destination celebration! Location TBD.
So all in all, yes I've complained a lot about this summer's heatwave, and if you know me well, you know I do love a good rant. But the fact is, if you ignore all the sweaty hard to sleep nights, I really did love it just as much as everyone else did. It was much needed after our coldest snow winter ever back in March, which I must add, was pretty freaking amazing in itself as well... and with that and everything else that has gone on, not only has the summer been pretty unique but so far it's really been an amazing year and I'm just ready for more! x,s
