We haven’t had rain in a few weeks, and things at Old World Wisconsin (the outdoor living history museum where I work) are very hot and dry. We closed down to a skeleton crew on Thursday because the heat index was over 100 degrees. Only 25 visitors came the entire day. I worked both yesterday and today, and now I have my swollen ankles propped up on the couch. I don’t have air conditioning at home, either, but I do have a ceiling fan and a strategic plan to keep the house cool. That plan involves making it as dark and cave-like as possible. Here are some other tips for surviving the heat:
-
cheat on the number of petticoats you wear (I went down to only one, but I don’t think anyone knew).
-
hide a wet dishcloth under your skirts or drape one around your neck.
-
plunge your hands and wrists into cold water from the pump.
-
skip the corset, if you dare (I haven’t tried this yet).
-
move as little as possible. This means I opt for sewing over playing the pump organ.
-
drink lots of water and stay in the shade (well, that’s obvious).
-
take a cue from the oxen, Ted & Bear, and get a friend to lick your ears. Strategic evaporation, you know.
scillagrace 