This happens at least once a summer. It starts with a clicking as it ignites and then the hiss to whoosh of the fans moving warm air through the house.

The weather here is subtly unkind. It lulls us into expectations of hot dry summer days and occasional light rain then brings a chill overnight or gusting winds that cause the birds to take refuge on the ground.

When it is hot we care for our gardens and read books in hammocks keeping an eye out for the brilliant aquamarine sky that heralds possible hail and tornadoes. When it is cool we dress in layers and leather jackets and check the forecast for frost warnings keeping the extra bedsheets close at hand should we need to cover the garden.