Hey girls, I feel rather guilty as my place is nice and cool (sorry girls!!), I am so glad I forked out money for a big split system air conditioner. Was even thinking of splurging and getting 2 small ones for the kids rooms. Took Chelsea to her immunization and she was such a brave girl. No tears, I think she sucked them in LOL!! The nurse was amazed how good she was, then she went up and said "thank you' when we left which they couldn't stop laughing about. Took her to MIL for a swim, just got home now. Thankfully we still have power but half of Melb has no power and over 1000 sets of traffic lights out too. DH has been asked to work back - one his first day back and in this heat.

IK - I cheated and drove to the clinic - far too hot to walk! Good on you for being water wise. Every little bit helps. We put buckets in the shower, empty the bath with buckets, use the washing machine water and the no flush rule (Chelsea never flushes anyway as she thinks the toilet is too loud!). All of it goes on my lawn out back & pot plants. My back garden is full of very big, drought tolerant plants which is great, water about 1 each fortnight.

Nic - evap cooling really struggles on such hot days like today, thankfully we don't have many of them. Just stay confined to one room, hopefully you are cool enough in there. Or do what Amanda or Karen did last week and sit in the bath with some nice cool water.

CC - Chelsea had chicken pox when she was 2. I don't even know where she got it from as no other kids at kinder had it! Some might be lucky and not get it as I don't think that everyone who had contact with her will automatically get it. The disease is most contagious prior to any spots appearing (usually 10-14 days before you see any spots) and if the spots are weepy. We just had to wash her in Pinetarsol (which stinks!) and stop her scratching, she did have some breathing difficulties at the beginning but that required only cough medicine. It was just frustrating keeping her home for about 2 weeks - she was going nuts!! She was not unwell so it was even more frustrating for her. Good luck, I hope Ally doesn't get it, nor the other kids!

Simone - feel so sorry for you suffering in that hot house - I would be going to the shops and hanging out there for a while, go get the kids an icecream or somthing. Anything to get out of the heat!

Better go make dinner, have no idea when DH is going to be home!