July was stifling; heat waves shimmered off the sun baked ground, cracks opened across parched fields and lawns, gardens withered and died. Temperatures rose daily into the 100 degree range...causing everything, human, and animal to scurry for a shady place to survive. Plants yellowed, drooping and ceased to produce fruit.
July’s blistering heat and rainless days finally came to an end two weeks ago. Much needed rains came in waves, one each week for a while. The cloud covered sky and the rains also brought a break in the days of 100 degree plus days...both a blessing.
The road sides and the un-watered yards quickly returned to green. Our grass was fortunate as we have lake water to keep it green (others suffered if they were part of the city’s water conservation measures).
However, with all good things, it came to an end. Crystal blue skies returned with only puffy clouds to tease and remind us of rain clouds. Temperatures quickly came back, turning the moist ground into a steam bath of evaporation. Oh...did I mention the mosquitoes? They too rejuvenated by the rains have burst forth in ever larger numbers...and hungry!
It seemed like only yesterday that we wished for warmer weather...now (how quickly we forget) we are counting the days until the first cool days of fall begin.
Never happy, always complaining we march through time wishing something else and not seeing the blessings in what we have. I’m looking...really!, for the positives of 100 degree plus dry days...”really!”
