Now when the thermometer hits 70 I fantasize about planting a big tall hedge so that clothing becomes an unnecessary garden accessory.
No - I haven't gone nudist. I'm having hot flashes.
Most of my life, as I shivered in the chill of winter, and we dialed our thermostat down to a politically correct and frigid setting, I sat and muttered. "I can't wait til I have hot flashes. At least I'll be warm."
Naturally, mine began in the heat of summer. Naturally they began after I had managed to carve out a lot of garden space that needs a lot of work. Hot, heavy work. Work that must be done. Work that no one else but this overheated and aging gardener is going to do. My husband couldn't tell a tulip from a dandelion, much less a weed from a garden-worthy plant. So a few adjustments in my gardening habits were necessary. And they make good sense - not just for those of us with hot flashes. None of us are getting younger. A healthy respect for the havoc working in the heat can create is a good thing to develop.
My first change was in my work times. Being something of a vampire, early mornings are out of the question for me. I've barely gone to bed when the sun rises. This means I wander out to the garden, coffee cup in hand for an 11 a.m. first inspection. Coffee done, I used to then begin whatever tasks my inspection told me were most urgent. Not anymore.
Early evening is my prime work time now. I can get a lot done between the time when the sun starts sinking and darkness, with a minimum of discomfort. Of course if you live on a more normal schedule, early morning before the sun really heats things up is even better. My body clock simply won't cooperate.
Vampire that I am, my wardrobe is full of black clothing - except in summer. Then I go for white. Not pale yellow, or blue or even the lightest of pastels. White reflects the light. Add even a hint of pastel coloring and you reduce that reflective property dramatically. You don't want to absorb any more heat than you have to.
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