list 8 : good things about a heatwave

1. sunsets like this one, I am told the sunrises are just as beautiful
2. less washing, the kids have taken to sitting around in their underwear
3. my notoriously poor daily consumption of water has increased
4. the tomatoes are ripening, three weeks ago I thought I'd be making green tomato chutney
5. the strengthening of community ties - exchanging "isn't it hot" with "I haven't had a good night's sleep for weeks" with people in the street
6. every quilt and blanket in the house has been laundered as they are drying in half a day
7. less shopping as our apetites have diminshed to frozen fruit sticks and tomatoes on toast
8. daily 30 minutes quiet reading is easily achieved as the kids are too shattered to do anything else
9. Michael and I are reminded of home and our stinking hot childhood summers
10. a chance to be grateful for the little things - our verandah, an evening breeze, ice cubes
11. kids running under sprinklers while Michael and I sit on the steps drinking cold beer and cider