There is definitely something in my study that makes my throat sore.

There's been various molding spots on the wall for several years now, but I'm really noticing the issue lately. It's going to be a hot dry summer, so maybe this is the time to tackle it?

39C today, 40C tomorrow.

A slightly cooler next week, but pretty warm (high 20s, early 30s) through to Jan.

Next week is supposed to be some rainfall here and there. We can hope. It will make things awfully sticky, but sticky I can manage.

The bit I'm nervous about is a handful of seedlings I planted out a few days ago - melons and pumpkins. Don't know if they're going to survive it - I've watered them morning, noon, and evening, covered them with shadecloth, but none of that is a guarantee when the temps hit 40C.

Oy.

My sister is worried about the chickens, who aren't coping real well with the heat - they never do, but it's particularly difficult in these super-hot days, and when there's not a lot of spaces where they can stay cool. I might have to let them back into the triangle garden, so they can take shelter in the thickets of the trees there.

I'm kind of wondering if I can set up a specific space for them during the middle of the day. They won't get to move around so much, and they might be at risk of dogs going by (although the owners around here are good and keep them on leashes...most of the time, except when Bev's dogs get out) but...it'll be cooler?

Anyway, I gotta go out and check that the chooks aren't overheating.