Quite a lot of people lost someone, maybe an elderly relative, during the heatwave. My Aunt Barbara, very ill with advanced dementia, died yesterday aged 91. She was unmarried, no kids and I had been taking care of her affairs for the past few years. That’s the least interesting thing about her. 1

Ah, well, annoying but we should still get french trains. Probably.

This is worth knowing for train lovers in summer. Wouldn’t have occurred to me there would be no a/c.

Imo, "Reach out" should only ever be used if you're in the Four Tops.

Cue stampede from London.

This, but now applied to mopping and then watering the garden. Def doing nothing now until the end of time.

Just hoovered and JFC.

Just changed my sheets. 80% easier now I’m not using a duvet.

SPOILERS Just watched 2001 and I never get over the scene where HAL kills Zippy.

People who don’t eat fruit - how are you dealing with this heat? Because I’ve just eaten a cold nectarine and feel immediately better.

This thread is a joy and could inspire several movies:

I wrote this last year, in case of use today: helenbarrett.substack.com/p/cool-place...

As an asthmatic I’m delighted to read this. Outsiders slagging our Mayor can sod off.

Laughing a lot. But also, this combo is actually very delicious. Also, Maldon on chocolate ice cream, ramps up the choc flavour. But I happily admit to being a wanker.

Listening to Front Row discussion of the Tate’ Frida show and of 120 pieces on display only 30 are actually by her. One woman has described it as a “Frida cosplay” and “fanfic”. So be warned, you’re getting loads of other artists stuff. which is taking the piss a bit.

Pepys was such a bastard but he goes make laugh. (Not when he’s beating “his boy” tho)

She, by my Lady’s advice, desires a new petticoat of the new silk striped stuff, very pretty. So I went to Paternoster Row presently, and bought her one, with Mr. Creed’s help, a very fine rich one, the best I did see there, and much better than she desires or expects.

“Uh-oh, Lorraine ... someone seems to be checking you out.”

Why are Americans so angry about Europe not having a/c in every home? What’s it to them anyway. It’s us suffering.

If you’re asleep right now I hate you.

go Scotland, land of my paternal grandfather (who was a massive, psycho bastard, but you can’t have everything, can you).

Yet again I’m forced to point out you can go off someone, can’t you?

Anyway, what’s everyone having for dinner?! I’m having a v half arsed Greek salad, the previously mentioned thin Fries and some brined chicken fillets in chillified panko breadcrumbs. Basic but just exactly what I want. Iced water. Slice of fresh cream cake, cold from the fridge.

Creeping slowly out of my door to buy the M&S crispy frites and a bottle of white wine. #healthy

Can anyone explain why the red warning isn’t extended to Fri, which is predicted to be quite a bit hotter than tmw?

(Trigger warning) Catching up on more retail and it’s way worse than I’d thought. A dead baby put in a domestic fridge. Another put on a tray in the mortuary with an unrelated adult. Forbidding mothers from coming in when they were clearly describing labour beginning.

My friend in Edinburgh has just sent me pic of a view across water from a place called Queensferry and I’d like to transported there please. It’s sunny and 21c. (don’t tell me if Queensferry is actually an awful pit)

Put my yog bowl back in the fridge this morning as no appetite. Just got it out and omg, game changer! It’s so cold and lovely now, and holding the chilled dish is A+++. Going to do it every day of this curséd heatwave.

Smashed three car windows already to save dogs from the heat. Haven’t found any yet but I’m not giving up.

Listening to reporting on the Notts maternity scandal - and that term seems inadequate. And what is it with maternity care and midwives? Is something wrong with midwife training in the UK? Every friend I have who is a mother has a shit story about a midwife.

Dogs are still good.

Can people on here stop banging on about whatever insanity is currently going on over on x the everything app. If I wanted to read terrible takes by idiots with brain rot I'd still be on there. But I genuinely couldn't give a single fuck. It's basically electronic curtain twitching. Stop it.

Does anyone know where this is?

A map of cool spaces in London, for anyone worried about temperatures at home. Even if you get out just for a few hours it will make a difference. Hope you find one near you. apps.london.gov.uk/cool-spaces/

I did know this but have obv forgotten. Will be doing this from tonight.

Met Office has changed Wednesday and Thursday's heat in central South (inc London) to a red alert, stating: High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, with the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services

I can't do it any longer.

Cowboy: *puts blanket on horse* Horse: hey thanks Cowboy: *places saddle on blanket* Horse: oh

More 10-year-olds say they want puppies than parents do. What's behind the divide?

Good old London. Good old Brixton. ❤️

I’m so sick of Makerfield.

They’re calling it the quote on British politics that ended the need for all other quotes

Oh Guardian, don't ever change.

Like twice a day now I read a headline that makes me remember that time I went to Versailles with my mom, and she looked around and went, “They had it coming.”

So… I went to see the Whistler exhibition today. My friend really took against him in a way I’ve never seen him do - tho he DID rate the copper engravings. But he hated the portraits in a way I’m still puzzling over.

Sometimes basic is good. (pancetta lurking in there too)

none of apricot, guava, mango, passionfruit or mandarin are native to continential africa, so you would not have found them way down deep in the middle of the congo for more facts like this: paul sinha’s perfect pub quiz returns to radio 4 on the 11th august

Who was it who recommended M&S avocado oil crisps? Because I’m coming to duff you up. (greasy and the avo oil is far too strong and the whole thing not salty enough)

Apparently we are third favourite! I'm astonished. But as Steve says maybe that's just pessimism.

Genuine question: does anyone think England could win the World Cup? Do we have an actual chance?