The heating system in my house has a switch with two states: summer and winter. The two states are symbolized by the sun and a snowflake. The winter position is for hot water and heating by means of radiators. The summer position is for hot water only. The system was tested earlier this summer, but there was no heating oil left in the tank when I arrived. There is a small cistern that can take oil to Motovun, but it is under repair. The single canister of oil a friend brought a week after I arrived was not enough. A few friends brought ten canisters two days ago, and I finally got hot water. Just in time, too. Late July and most of August were very hot, but the weather turned about a week ago. Showering with cold water was bracing under the best of circumstances, but it became somewhat painful since the weather changed. As cold showers made me feel pretty good afterwards, I promised myself to keep up with the routine I had established already. Good circulation is its own reward, I reasoned. My promises were in vain, though. I have not showered with cold water ever since the heating oil arrived. This is but another complaint against my poor self.

Addendum (September 14, 2003)

Hard to believe, given the blistering heat through much of August, but my heating system is in its winter mode already. The snowflake is switched on. As of two days ago, the heating kicks in whenever the temperature in the house drops bellow twenty degrees Celsius. To my delight, the radiators around the house turn toasty quite quickly. And this is how it is likely to remain through Easter, or maybe a bit longer. Although real winter is still far off, it gets pretty cold in the early morning. I often wake up in the fetus position, the crumpled bedding over my head. Enough of suffering, though. Tonight I will sleep with a quilt for the first time this season. Besides, the heating system will come alive around six, if not earlier. Most important, yesterday I learned that the cistern that brings heating oil to Motovun will be working order by the beginning of next week. The tank in my cellar can take two tons of oil, which is supposed to be enough for a year at least.