It's Nearly August and the Temperature is Rising

What a summer. It's always pretty hot in Texas, but this year has been particularly warm and August is usually the hottest month. Temperature rise August arrived back in June. Right now we're marching  up to nearly 30 days in triple digit temperatures and the forecast for this coming Thursday is 108. Here in Central Texas the humidity is higher than in areas of West Texas, but not as bad as at the coast. I know other areas of our country are suffering with high temperatures and they have a higher humidity level. No wonder so many people are having heat strokes. It's best to stay indoors and enjoy the air conditioning.

I worry for the people who don't have ac, especially for those with children and the elderly. And, please, please, please, do not leave your children in the car for one minute, even with the windows down some. Don't forget your pets. If they stay outdoors, be sure to have a big sturdy container of water for them in a shady area and possibly and pool to cool off in.

We have a sprinkler system and our yard usually looks pretty green throughout the summer months. Now have dead patches. My Rose of Sharon looks sad. My native hibiscus hasn't come up in three years. I guess it's dead. We're not watering as much due to the shortage of water and no rain. Each afternoon clouds come up and we think it might shower, but they blow over. Molly goes out and suns for a few minutes and then wants back in. She keeps me hopping. She also rolls around in it and brings dead grass in all over the floor and carpet. Oh well, she loves us!

Back in 1981or82, Larry and I traveled to Toronto for an Optimist International Conference. When we flew out of DFW Airport, it was 115 degrees. We arrived to temperatures in the low 80s. Our bus driver was sweating and said the temperatures were usually warm. A day later we were shopping for a jacket for Larry as he was cold. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the cooler clime.

I know it's not uncommon for the world to go through periods of extreme climates as we are now. Texas experienced a 7 year drought in the 1950s. Our situation is already worse than it was then and will continue to worsen if we don't get rain. The Edwards Aquifer is dangerously low. It makes you wonder if there is something to the global warming theory. Personally, I think it's a valid theory and we're seriously damaging our planet. It's easy for me to complain when I can't offer a solution. I'm not a scientist, but am a consumer and could change some of my habits. Any suggestions out there or what would help?

My upcoming release, Born in Ice, showcases a world living with the effects of global warming. Though it is based on some research and my imagination, it makes one wonder if future generations will experience similar changes.

Let's all pray for rain and a relief for all the heat and dryness. While we're at it, don't forget those areas that are flooded and have lost so much due to unusual downpours. What a shame we can share.

Thanks for Reading and Writing!

Linda