The Two Week Shutdown

After a wonderfully refreshing time at home with the fam I have now returned to the almost, and soon to be, Frozen North. I thought being at home for the month of July would ensure that I would miss the 'two week shutdown'. Not so. The local governmental powers that be arranged a late start this year thus allowing me to partake of this annual torture fest!!

Allow me to explain this two week event that will, no doubt, be etched into my very being for the rest of my life.

All of the heating and hot water of the town is supplied free by the local government. (Mr Wright please note, this may be a wonderful thing to do for your parish). It all comes from centrally located boiler houses and is pumped through a network of insulated pipes to homes and businesses. A great idea I hear you say, and so it is!
However each year for a period of two weeks the boiler houses are shut down for the annual cleaning and maintenance.

The houses do not have their own water heaters....the end result, freezing cold showers everyday for two weeks!!!!!

This morning I jumped into the shower unaware of the lack of hot water. Dear God, I have never experienced water so cold....never!! Remember the permafrost is just below the surface!!

It was, without a doubt, the quickest shower I have ever taken. Washing my hair I had the most amazing brain freeze of my life!! I have to face this ordeal for at least another week, or of course I could do what the locals do...just not shower for two weeks!!