It's Too Darned Hot...

 If the title of this post set off an ear worm, then you are my kind of person.  For those NOT in the know, that the name of a song written by Cole Porter featured in "Kiss Me Kate."  For the time, its lyrics just might be a bit provocative. It's a great song, so if you don't know it (for shame) go out there and find it.  (I personally like Ella Fitzgerald's version, but most people remember Ann Miller from the movie version.  Check it out!

The song perfectly captures what we're currently experiencing. For example:

"It's too darn hot

It's too darn hot

I’d like to call on my baby tonight

And give my all to my baby tonight

I’d like to call on my baby tonight

And give my all to my baby tonight

But I can’t play ball with my baby tonight

‘Cause it’s too darn hot."

Temperatures even in the Pocono Mountains will be heading for the triple digits for the next several days. Don't ask me what my electric bill is going to look like. It's not going to be pretty, but heat stroke is even uglier and probably more expensive!

 The heat wave started on July 1st and is supposed to last to the 5th, when temperatures "cool" to the upper 80s/lower 90s.  (Are those really "cooler?")

I was in Newark on the 1st.  As usual left the house early to catch the early bus when it would be cooler. There weren't many people on the bus, but the city light rail was packed.  (And I still mask up.)  The office was cool (even cold).  I knew going home was going to be the worst, but thankfully the stars aligned.  When I got to the light rail, it was just about ready to pull out.  When I reached by stop and hurried up the stairs to the street, the bus I wanted was starting to pull away.  I managed to stop it and get on.  So I did not have to stand in the heat and wait for anything.  I am so grateful for that!

The walk from the bus to the house was...hot.  (I suppose that's putting it mildly.)  I'll admit once I got to the house, I quickly changed and got in the car to head back to the Poconos. (Leaving my poor retail working son on his own, which I know he loves, with his bedroom window unit pumping out cool air when he is not working.  I'm actually happy that he is working in an air conditioned store rather than outside at theater camp; I know he will be cool and well hydrated as there is a Panera practically next door to where he is working.)

This morning, though I didn't want to get up, I did because I wanted to get my walk in as early as possible.  When I walk in NJ, it can still be dark out when I walk because there are plenty of street lights.  That is not the case here, where it is very rural.  So the earliest I can start (in the summer months) is around 5:15-5:30, which is what I made sure to do this morning.  

I was lucky enough to be see this beautiful sunrise.  (Or at little past sunrise.)  I had tried to capture this on Monday, but the route I took didn't make for a good photo.  This morning I took a different road and got some nice photos as a result.  (Or at least I think so...your opinion may vary.)

Because I got a slightly later start than I should have AND because it was already pretty warm out, I did not walk as far, but I DID challenge myself by taking the steepest route/street as I headed back.

I don't think these photos capture it well enough, but the climb is pretty much straight up.  (According to my app I went from a minimum elevation of 837 ft. to 1166 ft...Does that mean anything?)  This is the road that I take when I come back from NJ and I always rev my motor and go as fast as I can because it's really steep.  (So steep that if the weather is not good I will take an alternate route that is slightly longer but not as intense.)    I did take 2 little breaks as I was really huffing and puffing, although there really is no place to stop until you get to the top.  I think my legs are pretty unhappy with me for doing this.  (Don't worry legs I won't do it again.)  Now I've done it and I WON'T do it again!  (Not exactly a bucket list thing, but something I can say that I did.)

 Once home I took a cool shower and put on my lightest sundress to stay cool.  (No bra today ladies...it's too darned hot!)  For the rest of the day I'll be "hiding" inside, which is a shame because it's a beautiful day out, but...

 No matter where you are, do whatever you need to in order to stay cool.  And check on those you love.  It may be as hot as Hades, but we will get through these hellish temperatures with common sense and compassion.  Be well.  Stay well.