Impossibly hot

I'm in awe of you, other 49 states, how do you do it? How do you handle the summer?

New York, California, Texas.... what big complainers you must think we are here in Seattle. We sit here in our damp, dewy world for 9 months out of the year, some of us loving it, some of us craving just a skosh more vitamin D. Spring rolls around and while the rest of the country is enjoying the sun, we are still trapped in fog and drizzle. As soon as the high temp hits 65 we are out in full force, rolling in the grass and working on our "tans" because who knows when the sun will be shining again? It's not uncommon to see someone in shorts and a bikini top toting an umbrella juuuuuust in case. We thrive in this land of socks and sandals.

By June any national news channel can tell you all about heat exhaustion and brownouts here and there, frying eggs on sidewalks, etc., but here in Seattle we are twiddling our thumbs, counting in single digits the heat hours our scrawny tomato plants are absorbing.

Then it happens. One day the clouds dissipate, the sun sparkles on Puget Sound, and while the stores are rolling out their back-to-school supplies, we are just beginning our summer. Beaches and parks are packed that first glorious day. We cut out of work early, pick up some BBQ fixin's and soak it all up. And then something happens that really shouldn't surprise us like it does every year..... we realize that hot is HOT. We are not built for 89 degree heat. And you say this is going to last for how long? No rain for WEEKS? How could anyone possibly survive this??! Why didn't I buy a fan when they were still in the stores?! Gahhhhhhhhh!

So, were I wearing a hat it would truly go off to you, America. The rest of you sure are troopers. Hang in there like I know you can - you always do. Now I'm off to stick my head in the freezer.