Out Standing in the Field, Et. Al.

 

Just seeing a temperature graphic showing 106 and 108 temperatures in the next few days brings on thoughts of misery. 

I don't think I ever remember temperatures in this area rising that high.  

I distinctly remember a seeing bank thermometer around this time of year registering 110.  

That was in Lubbock, Tex., during the 1980 heat wave BEFORE most cars had air conditioning and WHEN convenience stores along the route became common and most welcome sites.

At that time we were traveling with the kids in a car with no air conditioning. 

 That was the road trip where Bill likes to note that we had traveled five days and we were still hadn't gotten out of Texas. 

It was also the year Annie had a case of the the chicken pox just before we set out on our trip.  Later the pox got infected, most likely because of the heat.  

So, we went to a medical clinic in Post, Tex., where the doctor prescribed a lotion to put on the pox. 

It was a miserable trip, saved only by frequent stops at those convenience stores to grab more cups of ice water to drink and to cool us off. 

And, now we see an oven-like existence coming to North Idaho, beginning Saturday.  

And to make matters worse, last night we even saw signs of a 150-acre forest fire ON JUNE 22 near Priest River, and Mother Nature's heat register has only just begun to rise toward unheard of marks. 

Yup, it's miserable thinking about what's ahead, but last night's somewhat tolerable heat kept me outside with the hose and with the camera. 

A walk to the hay field turned out to be especially colorful with some patches of birds foot tree foil blended with daisies and clover striking quite a lovely sight. 

And, while "out standing in the field," I could hear buzzing.  

Honey bees were definitely busy at their pollinating activities, constantly bouncing from one yellow blossom to another as they buzzed. 

While we are seeing only a few patches grass in the yard starting to dry up, like everyone who lives on a farm and has animals, we are dreading what's going to happen to the pastures and the hay crops with several days of extreme heat and no moisture.  

Plus, the forests are tinder dry IN JUNE.  

Scary times for so early in the summer, and the consequences could be more than troubling. 

So, we'll keep our fingers crossed that people are careful in the woods and that some rain will be on the horizon to help avoid disaster and to maintain all that makes this area so desirable. 

For now, it's stay cool, keep a close watch on the animals and do everything possible to minimize potential problems caused by extreme heat.

Let's hope for the best. 

If only we could sneak into Willie, Debbie or Annie's suitcases this weekend, we'd go with them to ICEland, where temps will be in the 60s.  

In other news, Bill has survived his second cataract surgery, and, in Bill's measured and mild manner, he says he can see better.  

Last night he even offered to drive himself to the post-surgery check-up today in Hayden.  I reminded him that the nurse said NO, not until the surgeon has given the okay. 

So, in a few hours, his "dorky" protective patch will be retired, except for while he's sleeping over the next week. 

I'm pretty sure Bill has no regrets about the surgery. 

Happy Wednesday.