Simply put, summer isn't over yet. We still have a couple of months to go! Especially in the deep south where I live, we can get scorching days well into October. That is why I plan simple and fun ways for my family to have fun and keep cool at the same time.
Suffice it to say, it is not always that easy to do, but if you take a look at these tips, you might find that you can also find some simple ways to stay cool during these heat waves!
This is not the cheapest way to stay cool, but it can be a lot of fun. We have family that own a beach house, so our stay is practically free despite the little bit of gas money it takes to travel the 3.5-hour trip. The ocean water is always very cool and the beach serves as a great way to spend the day with your friends and family. There is a lot to do-- riding on the boat, fishing, great restaurants, lots of fun and unique shopping, and just sitting around and relaxing.
I must reiterate the importance of finding a spot that is filled with plenty of shade! A picnic can be a great way to spend time with your family, but it won't be cool enough unless you find a pavilion to sit under and keep all of your family from baking in the heat. There are plenty of parks and recreational areas that are set up to facilitate gatherings to keep you comfortable in the shade!
This is one of my favorite ways to keep cool in the heat. It is so simple and easy. Most of us have at least one sprinkler, and you know the kids love 'em. Just hook it up to the water hose, and let the kids go at it! I love setting up the Slip 'n Slide, and all the water toys and making little obstacle courses in the backyard. It is like a personal field day without the cost. You can spend all day in your own yard and the time just flies by. Just don't forget the sunscreen!
Sometimes, the sun and heat can be unbearable and the only thing that can save you are a few fans and the indoor air conditioning. Although, this doesn't have to be a boring day! You can make a fun indoor cook-in where you do a barbecue indoors and host a fun game day and make staying in bearable for the entire family. If you have to stay inside and your air conditioning is broken at the moment, start up a few box fans and call Air Conditioner Repair Denver, and plan your day as they quickly repair the issue. Even though the sun is shining outside, everybody will be smiling inside as well.


Wild Rose competing during the Sydney to Hobart yacht Race.
SYDNEY - The 43-foot yacht Wild Rose was Tuesday named the overall winner of the Sydney to Hobart race, following doubts about the results after some boats diverted to search for a crashed light plane.
Supermaxi Wild Oats XI on Sunday won a record eighth line honours, becoming the most successful yacht in the history of the 628 nautical mile (1,163km) competition when it crossed the line in two days, two hours, three minutes and 26 seconds late Monday.
Wild Rose, which was also formerly named Wild Oats, won the handicap honours with a corrected race time of three days, 10 hours, 47 minutes and 43 seconds.
The handicap honours take into account the size, weight and length of each boat and the time they took to complete the race.
Skipper Roger Hickman, who was racing in the gruelling event for the 38th time, said his purchase of the 29-year-old yacht would not have happened without the help of Wild Oats XI's owner Bob Oatley, who previously owned Wild Rose.
"I feel lucky and privileged to have Bob Oatley's boat," Hickman, who also recorded his third handicap win, said.
"I did three Hobarts with Bob on this boat. When I bought the boat from him in 1991, he almost gave it to me."
Hickman changed the boat's name from Wild Oats to Wild Rose in 1993 after its first victory that year.
"She's absolutely the best. She was built by John McConaghy and he said to me repeatedly, 'This is his absolute best boat, the best I ever built'," Hickman said.
"Bob Oatley gave McConaghy a blank cheque and said, 'build me the best boat and name it' so McConaghy did and that's where the Wild Oats came from.
"Its a good win for little boats. It just keeps the interest if one can win every 10 years or so. I will dedicate this race to them, they add to the adventure and character of the race."
Several yachts that had been in contention to take the handicap honours, such as Love & War and Enchantress, were late Monday diverted to help search for a light plane that crashed into the water while reportedly taking photographs of the race.
The single-engine Cessna, carrying two men aged 29 and 61, plunged nose-first into the water, with police saying Tuesday a headrest and aviation headphones had so far been found.
The results were delayed amid a review following the diversions before Wild Rose's win was confirmed.
Wild Oats XI, one of five supermaxis - the biggest and fastest yachts - in this year's race was first across the line every year from 2005 to 2008 and in 2010, 2012 and 2013.


They've had a Hefeweizen as part of their lineup for a number of years at Hope but, as Oktoberfest season approaches in 2018, they've released one in cans too. Inspired by the beers of Bavaria, the aim was to create the style's famous melange of banana, clove and bubblegum aromas from yeast derived esters and phenolics. And they've succeeded in drawing them out to the extent the aromas moved beyond the realm of banana lollies into something reminiscent of a vanilla laced, creamy banana flota.
It's a creaminess you find on the palate too, with some spicy phenols and sweet malts in support and just a touch of refreshing tartness there to moderate its effervescent banana floatiness.