Today's Weather

It's now even too hot to travel by train: Due to the exceptionally high temperatures, Austrian Federal Railways ( ÖBB) has issued a heat warning for the coming days. This means that train services may be disrupted, as the high temperatures are putting a significant strain on the railway infrastructure.Temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius are also putting a considerable strain on the rail infrastructure. Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) advises postponing non-essential travel. - @SimCityAT

I asked ChatGPT how much the rails expand.  It said, steel rails 100m long expand 12mm per 10C rise in temperature.

Apparently, there's a thing called Sun Kink where the rails bend which could lead to derailment.

As the tracks are continuously welded, the bends will build up over distance.  The tensions are enormous.

I've been hiding inside on the grounds it will get cooler in the evening but it's getting hotter!

Balaton:

With our newly minted mushroom/toadstools around the fire. Now we need to recruit some local pixies to sit on them.

It's too darn hot. 36C feels like 38C. Exhausting!

At last, 20C and partly sunny.  I'll be moaning shortly that I'm cold and wishing the sun back.   It's forecasting low 20's for the rest of the week, that will do me.

At last, 20C and partly sunny. I'll be moaning shortly that I'm cold and wishing the sun back. It's forecasting low 20's for the rest of the week, that will do me. - @Cynic

We're receiving the hot weather which was affecting more Westerly locations.

We've got forecast of 40C for Monday to Wednesday inclusive.

Today, we've got to go to Balaton for some logistics.  Luckily we can put the airco on in the car.  It's a lifesaver.

Stats:

34.6C, UV 0.0 (cloudy), wind 1.3 m/s WNW, sunset 20.47h (sunrise was 04.55h), pressure 1017 hPA.

40°C for the next 3 days.They say it will rain as well from tomorrow.

Hot hot hot 🔥 🥵

18C, mostly cloudy, high of 21C this afternoon when the clouds break up; this is approx the seasonal average around here.

18C, mostly cloudy, high of 21C this afternoon when the clouds break up; this is approx the seasonal average around here. - @Cynic

We are still in the midst of the heatwave.  It's 12h and still mid-30s.  It's the kind of temperatures where you could fry an egg on your car.  We were in Balaton yesterday and it's like swimming in a warm bath.  Not really pleasant although there are some welcome colder patches in the water.

Stats:

36.1C, UV 3.7, humidity 26%, wind 2 m/s from S, sunset 20.47h (sunrise 04.55h), pressure 1017 hPa.

at 8am it was 31°C in Vienna this morning.

18C, mostly cloudy, high of 21C this afternoon when the clouds break up; this is approx the seasonal average around here. - @CynicWe are still in the midst of the heatwave. It's 12h and still mid-30s. It's the kind of temperatures where you could fry an egg on your car. We were in Balaton yesterday and it's like swimming in a warm bath. Not really pleasant although there are some welcome colder patches in the water.Stats:36.1C, UV 3.7, humidity 26%, wind 2 m/s from S, sunset 20.47h (sunrise 04.55h), pressure 1017 hPa. - @fluffy2560

I just read that the current high temps we are experiencing are not good for young trees, quote "Extreme weather weakens our woods and trees in the long run, which makes it easier for pests and disease to take hold".

Just looked at the current temp inside our flat. Almost 28C.

Not horrible although a bit less humid would be welcome.

I almost finished all of my dinner prep because it will only get hotter in a few hours.

It sucks but honestly have experienced worst in Vegas.

Thank God we have running water!

Plan on another swim day in the morning if God is willing!

Summer is short here.

I try not to freak out because I know if gets un tolerable, I will just move. Or kick it.

Think of it as sweating out all the toxic materials from your body.

What pisses me off allot is the cost to go to     a spa these days.

It will not break our bank but come on... It is a difference between a grocery haul or a day out.

If the heat is going to be a normal thing, they need to build more public pools that are reasonable in cost.

Times like this I miss my public pool in Vegas, Desert Breeze, a whole $1. for the day as a senior and less then $3; for a adult.

17 lanes of swimming and a outdoor children,s, area with water slide.

Not all that crowded either since most homes have pools or community pools, every gym worth their salt has a pool and water classes.

I have the perfect spot in mind for a new pool here.

Too bad for now it is just a bunch of drunks laying on benches.

My husband thinks our local church can bite the dust and a pool could go in the grounds. I am sure more people will show up to swim then to get brain washed.

18C, mostly cloudy, high of 21C this afternoon when the clouds break up; this is approx the seasonal average around here. - @CynicWe are still in the midst of the heatwave. It's 12h and still mid-30s. It's the kind of temperatures where you could fry an egg on your car. We were in Balaton yesterday and it's like swimming in a warm bath. Not really pleasant although there are some welcome colder patches in the water.Stats:36.1C, UV 3.7, humidity 26%, wind 2 m/s from S, sunset 20.47h (sunrise 04.55h), pressure 1017 hPa. - @fluffy2560 I just read that the current high temps we are experiencing are not good for young trees, quote "Extreme weather weakens our woods and trees in the long run, which makes it easier for pests and disease to take hold". - @Cynic

Trees are one thing.

I've noticed my grapevines are developing some diseases and pests.  I am not sure what is wrong as it seems to be multiple issues.  I am not very keen on using some chemicals on them but maybe I have to otherwise the crop will be ruined.   I probably have to prune some bits off to stop it spreading.   Last year, the birds stole all our grapes.

Google image search has not been that helpful in identifying the problem.  It could be anything from mildew to bugs.  Or maybe it's just not enough water.   We may have to ask at the garden centre.  They are pretty good at disease identification. Local knowledge should not be underestimated.

We'll wait until dusk and give the vines a good soaking.  And do any pruning.  It's too hot to work outside during the day.  That means after 16h.

Worst development heat related is it looks like the bin men are not coming out to work.  We had no collection.  I expect we'll get no bin collection until Friday. Skipped an entire week.  The rubbish is festering in the bin and will be overflowing at this rate.  Tomorrow is another test - it's "selective" collection of non-bottle plastic/paper etc.   Plastic bottles we have to return to get 50 HUF credit refund per marked bottle.   It sure does work. Hardly any bottle waste is visible now - like just thrown away.  Everyone returns them.

Like I noted, down in Balaton, some restaurants only opening in the evenings due to the intense heat.  Imagine being in the kitchen preparing food, could be 40+ C.  Evenings we're seeing a pleasant 26C - as reported by the car.  That was at 23.30 - we left really late to come back from the lake.  We avoided all the traffic.

Update:

Pictures of my vine diseased leaves.  Any thoughts welcome.

Update:
Pictures of my vine diseased leaves. Any thoughts welcome.

- @fluffy2560

From ChatGPT

quote "The most likely possibilities are:

Spider mites (most likely) – The fine pale speckling ("stippling") across the leaf is very characteristic of mite feeding. In hot, dry weather (common during Hungarian summers), spider mites can become a serious problem. Check the underside of the leaves for tiny mites or fine webbing.

Potassium deficiency or water stress – The browning along the edges of the leaf (marginal scorch) is consistent with potassium deficiency or irregular watering. Older leaves are usually affected first.

Minor sun or heat damage – If temperatures have been high and watering has been inconsistent, the edges of leaves can burn.

I think powdery mildew and downy mildew are less likely because I don't see:

White powdery coating (powdery mildew).

Yellow "oil spots" with white fuzz underneath (downy mildew).

What to do next

Turn over several affected leaves and inspect the undersides with a magnifying glass. If you see tiny moving dots or fine webs, spider mites are the culprit.

Water deeply but avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.

If mites are present, washing the undersides of the leaves with a strong jet of water every few days can reduce their numbers. For heavier infestations, insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil can be effective when used according to the label.

If you haven't fertilized recently, a balanced fertilizer that includes potassium may help, but avoid over-fertilizing.

Update:Pictures of my vine diseased leaves. Any thoughts welcome. - @fluffy2560 From ChatGPTquote "The most likely possibilities are:Spider mites (most likely) – The fine pale speckling ("stippling") across the leaf is very characteristic of mite feeding. In hot, dry weather (common during Hungarian summers), spider mites can become a serious problem. Check the underside of the leaves for tiny mites or fine webbing.Potassium deficiency or water stress – The browning along the edges of the leaf (marginal scorch) is consistent with potassium deficiency or irregular watering. Older leaves are usually affected first.Minor sun or heat damage – If temperatures have been high and watering has been inconsistent, the edges of leaves can burn.I think powdery mildew and downy mildew are less likely because I don't see:White powdery coating (powdery mildew).Yellow "oil spots" with white fuzz underneath (downy mildew).What to do nextTurn over several affected leaves and inspect the undersides with a magnifying glass. If you see tiny moving dots or fine webs, spider mites are the culprit.Water deeply but avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.If mites are present, washing the undersides of the leaves with a strong jet of water every few days can reduce their numbers. For heavier infestations, insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil can be effective when used according to the label.If you haven't fertilized recently, a balanced fertilizer that includes potassium may help, but avoid over-fertilizing. - @Cynic

It's a bit of a problem with advice from ChatGPT.  It's scraping stuff off the Internet which is more likely US based although spider mites could be the reason in HU.  The US bias is serious nonsense because the solutions (like pesticides) are not available here and product names are not known. And the EU has restrictions. 

Mildew seems unlikely as it's not damp.  And I could not see any mites.  There's some tracking on the leaves so quite possibly a bug nibbling.

I watered them last night at midnight and also put some tomato food on them. My cousin (a horticulturalist) says tomato food is good for lots of ailments.  I am not expecting miracles.  Some of the other vines are showing signs but generally the plants are all lush and green leaved.    I'll give them a good watering today as well - when it's dark obviously.  I think we'll try for horticultural oil or soap at the garden centre.

Meanwhile:

38C, wind 1.3 m/s from SW, pressure 1015 hPA, UV 3.4, sunset 20.46h (sunrise 4.56h). 

Change in day length is more obvious now.

Rain is welcome but it just going to make it more humid.

Went to the water yesterday, only thing to do in the heat really.

The shops are not very cool inside.

Not sure about the malls.

I wonder how many people are going to break down and put in A/C?

IDK running A/C all day is both costly and can give you a headache, summer is just hot nothing to do about it.

Soon enough it will be fall season.

We actually could use a new heater, hard to think about that now but  before you know it it will be cold again, like for 10 months.

When we got home yesterday from the water I found our fridge had turned itself off!

Had to toss out my freezer items and allot of food.

My husband moved it away a few inches from the wall and cleaned the back, was ready to take it apart to find out what was up before thinking of replacing it.

Got it running, maybe it needed more air flow in this heat?

I am just glad I did not have any ice cream in the freezer otherwise I would be upset.

Wonder if the buildings power supply was over loaded with everyone,s A/C on? We have our own meters so probably just too hot to handle.

30°C today and expectig a thunderstorm at 2pm so that will clear the air and we very much need to rain.

Rain is welcome but it just going to make it more humid.Went to the water yesterday, only thing to do in the heat really.The shops are not very cool inside.Not sure about the malls.I wonder how many people are going to break down and put in A/C?IDK running A/C all day is both costly and can give you a headache, summer is just hot nothing to do about it.Soon enough it will be fall season.We actually could use a new heater, hard to think about that now but before you know it it will be cold again, like for 10 months.When we got home yesterday from the water I found our fridge had turned itself off!Had to toss out my freezer items and allot of food.My husband moved it away a few inches from the wall and cleaned the back, was ready to take it apart to find out what was up before thinking of replacing it.Got it running, maybe it needed more air flow in this heat?I am just glad I did not have any ice cream in the freezer otherwise I would be upset.Wonder if the buildings power supply was over loaded with everyone,s A/C on? We have our own meters so probably just too hot to handle. - @Marilyn Tassy

Welcome to 1st July 2026.  Another month has gone by.

I think the heat is causing problems with electrical goods. I'm seeing some of my outside electronics not working during the day but they start working again at night when it's cooler.   I can see the internal temperatures of some of my kit and it's a good 10C over the normal working temperature.

The fridge down in Balaton wasn't working either and it took a day or so to actually start working.  It was like 38C down there.   Obviously one should be cleaning dust and blocking materials from any fan holes or vents which could mess up cooling potential.  Hoover the holes!

It was so hot, our son and his GF came back from Balaton as it was intolerable.   They came back in the middle of the night to avoid the heat.  It meant Mrs F had to go to Kelenfold to pick them up at 3am.  And then she went to work!  Really burning the candle at both ends.

We have AC and I do put it on but I do think twice.  Such a power guzzling technology.  Putting the shutters down helps if the ceiling fans are on but today is just cloudy and hot so solar/sun is not increasing temperatures inside. It's just too darn hot.

Temperatures have dropped a bit.  Only 31C now. We were promised thunderstorms and we heard rumbling but it just went away.  We had a nice black heavy cloud over us ready to drop some cooling and nourishing rain but nope, nothing, nada, zip, zilch.

We usually get Austrian weather two days later so I am optimistic of Simon's reports of rain potentially at 14h over there.

Stats:

31C, 44% humidity, 1011 hPA pressure, wind 2.6 m/s from S, sunset 20.46h (sunrise, 04.56, shorter now)

P.S.  I am watching Earth Wind and Fire this morning on YT.  So many hits!

The wind is welcome and the cooler air.

Too bad your son did not stick it out because to me, nothing is better then taking a dip in Balaton with the sun rising.

No one around, birds singing and just the sound of the water splashing.

Loved doing that in Hawaii, I would wake up at 5 am and find my husband had already left for the morning surf.

Earth, Wind and Fire, sad to say I saw them live and was not into it.

I was a teen and just liked hard rock.

Lately I have been watching some videos from the Small Faces.

Steve Marriot was so talented.

What a way to go, in a house fire.

Saw the Faces with Rod Stewart in HS, good concert. Later I went off Rod because he was a jerk and walked off stage with only doing half a song.

Heard him say he is dying, he needs oxygen backstage.

What he is 84? Too bad, he is a good dresser. I suppose he no longer plays football.

Looks like we will have a few tolerable days but we still have months of heat to come.

The wind is welcome and the cooler air.Too bad your son did not stick it out because to me, nothing is better then taking a dip in Balaton with the sun rising.No one around, birds singing and just the sound of the water splashing.Loved doing that in Hawaii, I would wake up at 5 am and find my husband had already left for the morning surf.Earth, Wind and Fire, sad to say I saw them live and was not into it.I was a teen and just liked hard rock.Lately I have been watching some videos from the Small Faces.Steve Marriot was so talented.What a way to go, in a house fire.Saw the Faces with Rod Stewart in HS, good concert. Later I went off Rod because he was a jerk and walked off stage with only doing half a song.Heard him say he is dying, he needs oxygen backstage.What he is 84? Too bad, he is a good dresser. I suppose he no longer plays football.Looks like we will have a few tolerable days but we still have months of heat to come. - @Marilyn Tassy

Today's stats:

25C, 47% humidity, 1015 hPa, wind 1.9 m/s WNW, UV 0 (very cloudy), sunrise 04.58, sunset 20.46 (-1m from previous).   Looks like it could rain.  One can hope.

EWF hardly figure on my radar but they have 2 or 3 songs which are classics.   I was also a hard rock devotee. I was brought to EWF after looking at Village People following from the death of the singer.  That's YT for you, it serves up  links and videos which they think you need to see.   I did check Steve Marriott again.  I had forgotten how good he was.  There's just a few videos of him playing live.  I always look for the live performances as this is the value added of YT.

Our son was out most of the night with his GF.  I don't know if it's just being a teenager enjoying the summer or if I ought to try and reel him in a bit.

BTW, there's a video of scuffles and fights at Lidl in France over air-conditioning units.   Short video here!  Really? Is it that necessary to fight over airco.

Fighting over Arco,I can believe it.

Sounds like Walmart but then again we did see 2 guys rolling around the floor inside a Lidl. Just a distraction.

We think they were part of a shop lifting gang because they entered the store together with a couple of women. I remember that because as we entered Lidl the jerk pinched my bottom!!

Hard to believe he was serious, just wanted to be an a@@ or see if I had money in my back pocket.

We left the Lidl, just left our groceries in the basket just to avoid being anywhere near them.

I happened to be wearing a red jacket that day; Have not worn it since then, too much attention, like a target. Stupid really, I like the jacket, fit nice.

My son was too shy as a teen to date; now he seems to blame us for not pushing him to go out more. Can not win being a parent!

Rumor is Keith Richards wanted Steve Marriot to replace Mick Taylor but Mick was afraid he would be upstaged by Steve, probably so.

Will check out the weather soon, need to run an errand or two. Looks pleasant enough today.

Fighting over Arco,I can believe it.
Sounds like Walmart but then again we did see 2 guys rolling around the floor inside a Lidl. Just a distraction.
We think they were part of a shop lifting gang because they entered the store together with a couple of women. I remember that because as we entered Lidl the jerk pinched my bottom!!
Hard to believe he was serious, just wanted to be an a@@ or see if I had money in my back pocket.
We left the Lidl, just left our groceries in the basket just to avoid being anywhere near them.
I happened to be wearing a red jacket that day; Have not worn it since then, too much attention, like a target. Stupid really, I like the jacket, fit nice.
My son was too shy as a teen to date; now he seems to blame us for not pushing him to go out more. Can not win being a parent!

Rumor is Keith Richards wanted Steve Marriot to replace Mick Taylor but Mick was afraid he would be upstaged by Steve, probably so.
Will check out the weather soon, need to run an errand or two. Looks pleasant enough today. - @Marilyn Tassy

There's a longer video about the airco fight at Lidl.  Here's the link: Video.

While I was looking at Steve Marriott I came across a Jimmy Paige documentary or AI BS on why Paige hates various guitarists like Richie Blackmore or Jimi Hendrix.  He comes across as a right a-hole.  Put me right off even though I like Zepplin, I begin to think these people are far too full of themselves.

During all this, I also ran into The Specials.  Unbeknownst to me, the lead singer, Terry Hall, died in 2022.  Why?  I dunno but they sure did some classic Ska tracks. Ghost Town being the best known.  I like a lot of reggae type music including 2Tone and Aswad.   It reminds me of the Monster Mash.  Good spooky tracks for a comedy-horror movie.  Also The Time Warp.  What a classic!

Stats:

24C, 4.9 UV, sunset 20.45, 37% humidity, wind 4.5 m/s from NW.    Wind is a serious issue here all the time.  No idea why it's like this all the time.  We'll have to nail everything down.

19C and mostly cloudy; forecast high of 21C.  Temps are forecast to increase to 30C by midweek.  Air quality is good today, but will creep up to moderate during the week

Quiet week for me next week; not so in the politics of the UK where we have the Labour leadership selection closing date at the end of the week.

19C and mostly cloudy; forecast high of 21C. Temps are forecast to increase to 30C by midweek. Air quality is good today, but will creep up to moderate during the week
Quiet week for me next week; not so in the politics of the UK where we have the Labour leadership selection closing date at the end of the week. - @Cynic

We've only got 24C today, with high gusts of wind from NW at 2.7 m/s.  Sunrise is dropping back to 04.59h and so is sunset to 20.45h.  We should go up to 30C by the weekend.

The UK politics is a bit nonsensical at the moment.  It's not like we're seeing dirty tricks going on like in France vs Paraguay.  Didn't help as they lost.  As for Burnham, meh, proof is in the pudding. I think Starmer was quite good at dealing with Trump and the Iran war but it's all just local nonsense in UK politics.   Why people complain about immigration I do not know.  In the bigger scheme of things, far more important "real" things on my agenda are Ukraine, NATO, Brexit, weather, my kids, my grapevines and repairs to my hobby car (a door lock is not working).  For my schadenfreude meter, local work to dismantle the Orban mafia are in progress and in the news. 

I think the big UK political news is Farage who has queered his pitch with that £5M and his aside he could spend it on Ferraris.  I think it's peaked now Reform as a one trick pony and it's going to slide into the sea, never to be seen again.   That other bloke, Rupert Lowe might assume the mantle and try to bluster.  Quite nuts.

I was pleased to see Trump was "rained off".   Who listened anyway?  As soon as a drizzle started, people were filtering away hurriedly apparently.  It was hardly covered in European news. NATO meeting Tuesday.  That should be quite a strange one.  Trump and the WMD will be evidence.

17C and cloudy at the moment, it will start to clear later this morning, then we have a week of sunshine - yay.

I agree somewhat in that Farage should have queered his pitch, but polls since the latest press furore seem to say the opposite; they've won 7 council elections in the last 14 days.

17C and cloudy at the moment, it will start to clear later this morning, then we have a week of sunshine - yay.
I agree somewhat in that Farage should have queered his pitch, but polls since the latest press furore seem to say the opposite; they've won 7 council elections in the last 14 days. - @Cynic

Using my high-tech sensors (No.1 Eyeball), it's really cloudy outside but I can see a hint of blue. Maybe it's 18C.   Mrs F reported rain in Hungary.  About time.  Despite a shower, it's still warm there.  A lot warmer than here.

Last night I could also see the Blackpool tower lit up.    My grandparents used to live near Fleetwood and I spent a lot of time up here during the school holidays.  My Mum was from the North and my eldest lives up here in the NW, hence my reason to be here visiting.   But despite all these connections to the NW, I count myself (and I sound like) a Southerner.   There's a lot to like about the North West - not the weather though.   There are the diverse and historic cities around here like Liverpool or Manchester, the Lakes up in Cumbria, Pennines down the middle, seaside in Blackpool and Morecambe with the soon to be opened Eden scheme. And Scotland is not far away.

Talking of rain, yes, Farage's parade his not been rained on enough, but his latest debacle over his friendship with "Posh George" who is another crypto tycoon.   People are implying there's is something wrong and one can see that it's not a good look for a politician to receive funding from allegedly dubious sources.  What's the Quid Pro Quo then?   Crystal ball gazers  on the radio say Lowe (and Restore) could take over Reform as Farage fades.  Others say Farage is a grifter but they don't know what the scam actually is yet.  I've no idea what he's up to.   I suppose if Farage is found to have broken the rules, there will be a recall petition for the Clacton constituency.   Farage is getting really annoyed - he threatens to sue the media for asking questions.  I see him as having no answers.

Personally I see Reform's elected people wasting time on Trumpist and DOGE agendas.  It's got no leverage as our local government doesn't work the USA way.   Most of the Reform people do not even know how to run a meeting.

BTW, on the flags non-issue, I'm hearing on the radio, people complaining the England flag is not up for the forth coming match in the World Cup.  Stunning win over Mexico.  Saturday will be a massive game - England vs Norway, 22h BST, 23h CET.

BTW, on the flags non-issue, I'm hearing on the radio, people complaining the England flag is not up for the forth coming match in the World Cup. Stunning win over Mexico. Saturday will be a massive game - England vs Norway, 22h BST, 23h CET. - @fluffy2560

Did you know that Haaland is a Yorkshire-man, born in Leeds?

BTW, on the flags non-issue, I'm hearing on the radio, people complaining the England flag is not up for the forth coming match in the World Cup. Stunning win over Mexico. Saturday will be a massive game - England vs Norway, 22h BST, 23h CET. - @fluffy2560 Did you know that Haaland is a Yorkshire-man, born in Leeds? - @Cynic

Yes, I did know that. 

So maybe a tag line could be "Made in Yorkshire, moulded in Norway" or some such thing.

Be interesting - Kane, Bellingham etc vs Haaland etc.

Golden Boot direct competition.

To prove credentials, has Haaland got a whippet and a flat cap?

Currently, 21C, with a forecast high of 32C.  Clear blue skies and light winds from the east; temps start to reduce tomorrow, but still warm.  Air quality is ugh, so once I've got the washing hung outside, I shan't be doing much else today.

I see EDF are saying they may have supply issues in the UK - they buy my excess from the solar, so doing my bit.

Currently, 21C, with a forecast high of 32C. Clear blue skies and light winds from the east; temps start to reduce tomorrow, but still warm. Air quality is ugh, so once I've got the washing hung outside, I shan't be doing much else today.
I see EDF are saying they may have supply issues in the UK - they buy my excess from the solar, so doing my bit. - @Cynic

My daughter in the UK is now considering installing airco.  Looks to me like climate change will turn the NW of England into a climate like the South of France.  Airco (split systems) are not expensive.  Here, we can get them in places like Obi for EUR 400 or even less.  And Obi is expensive. Installation would double that per unit.  For her house in the UK, probably cost in the region of 2K EUR for gear but people online are talking £5K and up (even to £15K).  We have airco everywhere here at Fluffy Towers and ~7 years ago, it cost about £7K and that for cooling/heating (air source heat pump).  We installed it when building the house so it was easy and cheap for the installers.  We had all the pipes hidden and the outside units on the wall above the driveway. No pipework is visible inside or outside.

And today's weather:

26.3C, UV 0 (nah, must be more as sunny), 1013 hPA, wind 2 m/s gusts from West, 36% humidity, sunset 20.42h (sunrise was 05.04h - we're losing daylight 1-2m per day).

Jolly nice to be out and about.   

Currently, 22C with broken clouds; high today of 25C. Air quality still not that good.

We invested in air-con, 2 split systems, 1 for upstairs and the other for downstairs, absolutely brilliant once I learned not to turn the house into a freezer.  They can also act as heating, so enable me to make further use of our solar power when we need to use them.

Currently, 18C, with a forecast high of 24C, clear sunny skies for today and the rest of the week.

Builders are in creating my media wall (well, Mrs C's really, I'm just required to smile and nod my head).  I offered to make one from a couple of old pallets, but it got veto'd.

Currently, 22C with broken clouds; high today of 25C. Air quality still not that good.We invested in air-con, 2 split systems, 1 for upstairs and the other for downstairs, absolutely brilliant once I learned not to turn the house into a freezer. They can also act as heating, so enable me to make further use of our solar power when we need to use them. - @Cynic

What's a media wall?

Air Quality Index here we don't know but it's always bad down in Budapest. I would have thought it was OK here as we're on the other side of the hills.   Only thing is the current weather - another heatwave.  It's really hot.

Currently  31C outside, UV 5, pressure 1014, humidity 37%, wind 4.8 m/s from SSW, sunset 20.40h.   Once again, it's windy.   It always seems to be windy.  Maybe it's because we're on the slopes of the hills and maybe it's just updrafts.  Good for gliding.  Airco is on.  I was using the ceiling fans but not good enough for these kinds of temperatures.

I was on car repairs yesterday and it was really far too hot.  I had to put up a shade to work on the car door.  We get absolutely blasted from about 12 onwards.

Dog is being kept inside.  She'll drop dead if we'll attempt any walkies.

Meanwhile, the Fluffy Towers kitchen is in full swing. I am making tomato, onion, apple and raisin chutney.  Aldi had a cheap offer on tomatoes - 400 HUF/kg.  And we collected a large bowl of apples from the MIL's garden.  Seems to early for apples but they are known as "summer apples" - never heard of them. I tried them and they are not tart at all.  Rather nice but getting the bugs out has been a minor challenge.  Obtaining the spices is not so easy either.  I'm using 5% Apple Vinegar for the base.   I have done this before but it's the first time I've used apples.  When it's cooked, I'll put it in sterilised jars to save for later.  It's looking quite nice so far but when I was cooking the spices, it set the fire alarm off.   It's about exciting as it gets.   I think we'll get more apples during the week and see if I can make some apple pies for freezing.

I am making semi-retirement "profitable".

I mentioned Chutney previously and this is the result - Spicy Tomato, Onion & Raisin Chutney.   

It said, 10 minutes to make it on the recipe and it took me over 4h - preparing the vegetables (apples problematic), doing the spices, cooking it for 1h etc. Then sterilising  the jars (in the dishwasher on hot), heating the filled jars in boiling water to push out the air, then cooling it ready for bottling.  Jars are definitely sealed.  I managed to get 5.5 jars out of the apples but had to dump a lot due to various reasons.   

The recipe had sugar in it, but it left out the sugar as the apples were surely sweet enough. And so it seemed.  I've tried it with a lump of cheese and it is pretty good.  It could almost be used as a sauce on ice cream.  Bit odd to think but so tasty but hey, people have salted caramel ice cream and even strawberries with black pepper.

Meanwhile, I was woken up by rain at 03.30am!  Not so much, about 1.2mm but maybe a drink for the plants.  It has only lowered temperatures a touch and has made it a bit more humid.

Stats for today:

@ 13h, 26.3C, wind 1.4 m/s N, 1.7 UV, sunset 20.39h (sunrise 05.08h), 1015 hPa pressure, 60% humidity.

I am making semi-retirement "profitable".

I mentioned Chutney previously and this is the result - Spicy Tomato, Onion & Raisin Chutney.

It said, 10 minutes to make it on the recipe and it took me over 4h - preparing the vegetables (apples problematic), doing the spices, cooking it for 1h etc. Then sterilising the jars (in the dishwasher on hot), heating the filled jars in boiling water to push out the air, then cooling it ready for bottling. Jars are definitely sealed. I managed to get 5.5 jars out of the apples but had to dump a lot due to various reasons. 

The recipe had sugar in it, but it left out the sugar as the apples were surely sweet enough. And so it seemed. I've tried it with a lump of cheese and it is pretty good. It could almost be used as a sauce on ice cream. Bit odd to think but so tasty but hey, people have salted caramel ice cream and even strawberries with black pepper.

Meanwhile, I was woken up by rain at 03.30am! Not so much, about 1.2mm but maybe a drink for the plants. It has only lowered temperatures a touch and has made it a bit more humid.

Stats for today:

@ 13h, 26.3C, wind 1.4 m/s N, 1.7 UV, sunset 20.39h (sunrise 05.08h), 1015 hPa pressure, 60% humidity. - @fluffy2560

  Chutney is somewhat new to my diet but darn, it is good stuff!

Anns made     a batch of it long     ago and gave us a jar or two; Yummy!!

My new thing is fermented items, just made fermented ginger juice and lemon, super easy.

Strawberry homemade ice cream with black pepper, I am  salivating just thinking of it!

Oh well, food is just a source of energy after all but why not make it tasty.

Chutney is somewhat new to my diet but darn, it is good stuff!Anns made   a batch of it long   ago and gave us a jar or two; Yummy!!My new thing is fermented items, just made fermented ginger juice and lemon, super easy.Strawberry homemade ice cream with black pepper, I am salivating just thinking of it!Oh well, food is just a source of energy after all but why not make it tasty. - @Marilyn Tassy

Chutney is trad Indian.

Yesterday, I  collected a new batch of apples from the MIL's garden.  I am planning apple pies. I have some old bananas which could go in but bananas are disappointing in pies.  I really need some raspberries or strawbs and make them fruit pies.  We've got some peaches and nectarines.  They would be nice mixed up in a pie. 

The chutney I had some this morning on a cheesey roll with tomato and cheddar cheese (from Aldi).  I also got some coconut milk to make some ice cream.  We have an ice cream machine for it.  If I use Coconut Milk, then no sugar. 

Stats:

29C @ 13.20h, 51% humidity, 1017 hPA, wind 1.8 m/s from South, sunset 20.38h (sunrise 05.09h), UV 3.1 (high)

Hello everyone,

Doing a little favour for our writer today! 😄

If this topic speaks to you, feel free to jump in and share your experience.

Workers in Europe: how do you deal with climate change?

Thank you!

Cheryl

Gawd, we have been hitting 30°C for the last week andf they keep on saying we are going to have thunderstorms, finally I think we are about to get one the sky is turning grey. So we will see. It is just so humid, its not not even funny any more.

Gawd, we have been hitting 30°C for the last week andf they keep on saying we are going to have thunderstorms, finally I think we are about to get one the sky is turning grey. So we will see. It is just so humid, its not not even funny any more. - @SimCityAT

Car says 34C and has been as high as 36C. Really fried egg on the pavement weather.  Not a sign of rain but the clouds are forming up. Nothing will happen.