Public and personal pride

 I'm not sure how many people made it to Milano Pride at the weekend. According to the organisers, it was 350,000 like last year but the newspapers estimated it as a lot lower as temperatures of 40°C put people off. I tolerate heat well, but 40°C with a wig on is no joke and I wouldn't attempt it. All praise therefore to those who did venture out.

I'm pleased to hear that Budapest Pride in Hungary took place in an altogether less threatening atmosphere than last year following the change of government. Ironically, last year's ban brought 200,000 people onto the streets; now it's down to a more normal 35,000, but the point's been made.

Apart from that, my conclusions are much the same as I posted this time last year. I don't think LGBT bashing is making the headway its promoters want despite all their noise. Most people are more concerned about jobs, the cost of living, war and corruption to have much time for fretting that there are LGBT people in the world. I say most; I have finally had about enough altogether with my bigoted family who seem to have infinite time to hate people. More on strategy to deal with that another day, though.

So that was Pride Month. For those who live with a different sexuality or another gender, it doesn't last a month but for ever, though. 

 

Heatwave

It's been a week of high though not intolerable temperatures and, as above, I've not really wanted to get fully made up and bewigged. Loose tops, shorts or short skirts and flipflops are the order of the day. 

We keep being promised thunderstorms but they don't come and it doesn't look like it'll drop much from the current 34-37C for the foreseeable future.

Although I have easy access to an open-air pool and the sea is just below home, I'm thinking of investing in an inflatable pool for the terrace. Lots of my neighbours have one and it'd enable me to cool off in a swimsuit or bikini in greater privacy. 

Continuing weight loss

Hot weather dampens my appetite altogether and I'm eating little more than salad and fruit at the moment. Oh, and ice cream. But I have dropped lots this week and am now just over 70 kg (11 stone) so maybe another month at this rate and I'll be back in my healthy weight range. I'm excited at the prospect of getting to wear those pretty clothes I've been unable to fit into for so long, especially those adorable floaty summer dresses and those black evening numbers.

 

 

 

Garden

I have about 60 cactuses and succulents now, and they are enjoying the hot weather. My latest cactus has put out another pink flower for me. 

I was asked for photos of Arnold the Olive laden with fruit. Arnold is only five years old so I'm impressed with his efforts. The olives are green now but they will turn black when ripe.

 

Broken phone

My UK mobile phone is broken and I need to get a new handset. Please be patient if you are trying to call or text me from the UK this week. I had this phone for just three years so I'm not impressed with the durability.

 

Have a good week.

Sue x