Heat in the valley. Smoke in her eyes.

Cyclone up north, though you wouldn't know it here.

Down here in the valley it's been in the mid-30s which would be nice and comfortable except for the fact that it seems to rain in the morning and that seems to evaporate into a torpid humid fug of humidity. Which is quite hot.

So today, after walking the dog in the sweaty forest, and going to the sweaty market, we ascended into the mountains to have ourselves a little barbecue.

It was nice and cool up in the hills, a sea breeze was blowing across the turbid plains below and as it climbed the hills clouds unhazed themselves and gave us some nice overcast shade.

Meanwhile Nicole worked the barbecue, au naturel, that is with wood and fire. And Eloise helped her.

It seems that Eloise has some Slimm in her in the fire department. Although in her favour, when she got smoke in her eyes and I suggested she kneel down, she thought that was a good idea, which was more response than I got out of her mother.