Grab Your Lounge Chair and Get Under a Sprinkler
Jul 7th, 2010 by Kathy
Today there’s a kind of strange, almost eerie, sight outside my window. My birdfeeders, which are normally bustling with activity, have gotten very few hits. I haven’t seen a lot of movement around the birdhouses, either; and, oddly enough, even the birdbaths aren’t getting as many visitors as usual. So, the heat wave that we, along with a large portion of the country, are experiencing is, not surprisingly, affecting the wildlife as well.
Whether or not your area is now being scorched by temperatures that are nearing 100º, you’ve probably, at one time or another, been in the grip of a heat wave. Indeed, nearly everyone knows how this feels (awful!), and that, when it gets life-threateningly hot, it’s vital to find a way to stay cool. Although everybody is at risk, the ones who are the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are the elderly, the very young, and those who must work outdoors.
If you’re in that last group, it’s imperative that you take it easy, drink plenty of water, and stop frequently for breaks. Otherwise, it’s best to stay inside, in the air-conditioning, as much as possible. Don’t do any unnecessary outdoor chores, either; forget about yard work for the time being. If you don’t want to stay in, take an ice-cold glass of lemonade out to a patio chair, porch swing, or hammock, and just relax.
Even if you’re in a location, such as this, where it’s going to stay dry for several days, don’t worry about your lawn. Although it may get thoroughly baked, it will spring back to life when it rains. However, if you can’t be dissuaded from watering it, let your sprinkler do double duty, and set yourself up in a lounge chair or steamer chair, in a spot where it will spray you, too.
During weather like this, you should also wear light, and light-colored, clothing. Take cool baths or showers if you don’t have a pool, or have access to one. Even if you have one, however, the water can get pretty warm under these conditions; so keep cold drinks handy on a nearby picnic table that’s shaded by a tree or, at least, a patio umbrella. It’s also a good idea to put some ice packs and wet cloths into a cooler, in case someone gets overheated.
Of course, as the birds are reminding me today, this weather is just as dangerous for animals. So, provide some water for the wild creatures, and, please, don’t leave your pets out in the heat – especially in a car! They’re depending on you to keep them safe and cool. You should also check on elderly neighbors, or anyone who lives alone and doesn’t have air-conditioning.
You know, I sure could go for a heapin’ helpin’ of some of that wonderful snow that we had last winter! No, I’m not just saying that; I’m one of the few who enjoyed it even when it was over two feet deep. Believe me, I’d rather see 28º than 98º any day of the year.
Yours (I cannot tell a lie – for now, I’m staying) Indoors,
Kathy
