Long Hot Summer

"What dreadful hot weather we have!

It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance."

Jane Austen

Last night around 10:30 I opened the door to take the dog for a walk and was blasted by a steamy blanket of hot. The sweat beaded up on my brow and under my breasts before I was across the lawn which is not like walking across Scarlet O'Hara's Tara, but more like 10 feet if that. The mosquitoes danced around me like I was the bug version of the Golden Corral. They couldn't decide which part of my body's tasty smorgasbord to savor first so they took a little of this and a little of that. All the while buzzing with mosquito delight around my head like a Kamikaze pilot circling his target before making a free-fall dive.

The temperature hadn't changed much when I opened the same door this morning. Last evening's rain left the air so thick you could almost touch it. I'm not by a nature a morning person. When my alarm clock, i.e. Miss Suzi Q, stands beside my bed urging me to open my eyes and start "our" day, because of the pee issues involved, I've learned to get up quick, but I can't say I like it. Our walk route is not a long one. Other dog walkers would probably scoff at what I call a walk. And Suzi seriously thinks more about sniffing than walking. Her nose and my legs give out at about the same time.

As we walked this morning I had daydreams about cooler weather. Some radio weather pundit warned the other day that while it might be hot now, there is going to be another wacky cold winter ahead. I long for some time San Diego time where the weather is always - well almost always if you don't count when the hot, dry Santa Anas blow off the desert like a fruit dehydrator - perfect.

In Florida staying cool, for me, is relatively easy. Set the air condition at a reasonable temperature and don't go outside. If you have to go somewhere, get into your air conditioned car as quickly as possible and once at your destination, pray the AC is working. It is an unnatural way to live, stuck inside with windows closed so cool but stale air can't escape and really hot air can't come in. But it's what I do.

My daughter lives in Seattle. She doesn't have air conditioning. Most of the year that's okay. When they get a heat wave, it can be pretty awful. So what are some ways to cool off on these dog days of summer? I've been compiling a list while walking the dog. It hasn't stopped me from being a human shish kabob for the hungry beasties that thrive on hot damp conditions, but it does seem to help me sweat less. A mind over matter kind of thing.

Things that make me say "ahhhhh" on a hot summer day:

• Banana Popsicles
• Running through a water sprinkler (which isn't easy because there is a ban on water usage during the hottest hours of the day)
• Jumping in the swimming pool
• Ice cold tea, lemonade or water
• A purple cool pop
• A slice of watermelon
• A slip 'n slide
• Dipping my toes in a mountain stream
• A lake swim (beware of the reeds and critters!)
• Lying in a hammock between two shady trees
• A cold shower
• A Nutty Buddy right off the ice cream truck (see note below)
• A water balloon fight
• A bag of frozen peas on the back of my neck
• A fresh juicy peach

It looks like water is the common denominator here. Cool, clear water. Which reminds me I have to take a shower and get moving. What cools you off, when you're really, really hot?

Today I'm grateful for air conditioning, sleeveless T-shirts and flip flops. I'm grateful for the gift of water given by the Divine One to feed us, cool us, and bless us. I'm grateful summer is only 4 months long but will come around again about the time I'm longing for something warm.

Wishing for you a way to stay cool. If you have to go out be careful and stay hydrated. May I also suggest you keep a map of every area Dairy Queen in your car for easy reference.

Merry ME

PS. When I was looking for quotes about summer heat, I googled "hot and steamy." As you can imagine (and I would have figured out before clicking on one or two had I been more awake and less hot) it sent me to "romance" sites. I use the term romance lightly.

P.S.S. The picture above came with an interesting little article on the perils - or lack of - drinking cold water. I thought I'd share FYI: Go HERE

P.S.S.S. I googled Nutty Buddy to make sure I had the name right and it turns out Nutty Buddy is indeed a yummalicious ice cream treat. It also happens to be the name of a company that makes athletic cups for men and yes, out of curiosity I went there to check it out. I had no idea "nutty buddies" come in different sizes or that the person who needs to wear a "nutty buddy" might need instructions. I would have thought it was like putting Kleenex in your bra - you just stick it in and go. Okay, so it might need some adjusting, a little pooching up or patting down, but instructions? Who knew?