THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: heat


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The Heat is On

The Dog Days of Summer are coming for us this week. Mowing will not be pleasant. I’ll have to get an early start on that activity to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Three dachshunds walking on a wooden boardwalk, with leashes attached to each dog.
We will eat you from the ankles down. Photo by Mike Hartley

One or two things happened. Then again, it could be a combination of both. Heat never bothered me till last year and again this year. I grew up outside. And when inside either home or at work the early years there was no air conditioning.

Summer has always been my favorite season. I remember my family looking out for me at the beach. I’d be out early making sand sculptures (not the best ones) as the sun came up and they would be calling me from the balcony at the end of the day to come in and get ready for dinner or when the shadow of the building would overcome the beach.

I think this was my first one for the kids.

I could power through most any heat. Just a few years ago I remember riding around with the top down when it was over 100 degrees. Or mowing the lower back with the push mower and having energy left. Last year I had to start taking breaks during the hottest days for the first time. Now I’m even having problems working in the hottest part of the day.

So, either it’s gotten hotter than it used to be or I’m older and can’t tolerate it as it did for decades. Or the combination of the two so I’m going to have to adapt. We already have an excessive heat watch out today so let me get outside now before the real heat hits.

One thing it won’t stop me from doing is a late-night ride on a hot summer night.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I still get goosebumps listening to some of the old CSNY and the live shows they did.
  • Sitting here wondering if that is what is missing today. Music with some revolution to it.
  • I’m so disappointed in myself for not making it to the beach this month.
  • If we all knew each other better, the world would be a more peaceful place. Your neighbors extend beyond your own street.


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Here comes the HEAT

I love the heat, so the predicted sudden increase in temps starting Sunday does me just fine. I will spend as much time in it as I can. It might even be the first time the flip flops come out this year.

But lots of people will be scrambling inside for the AC. Some might even look for inside shade. I have found the place for you below.

From Frederick Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley

I will have to remember I’m not a youngster when I’m out and about in the heat not to overdo it. That is one of the biggest adjustments of getting older. Retraining your mind to take it slower on many things you used to just jump through, like flights of steps. I don’t break out into a full sprint anymore without stretching a bit. Using your knees to lift or getting help with a real heavy load instead of taking it yourself. That I can’t work hard outside for 8-10 hours without taking a break.

And others like watching out for too much sun on the skin or nasty ticks. Staying off ladders and the roof as much as possible. Being careful with the power tools and on those steep hills out back.

Ah, what the hell, where are my gloves. Out I go to do battle with Mother Nature. Have a good day and I’ll try to check in later if I haven’t hurt myself and hopefully fit in a few minutes with some fun.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • One would think a Supreme Court would have supreme judgment. One might be thinking wrong.
  • It’s good to get a hug each day. More than one is great. When it’s a long one, you hit the trifecta.
  • I’ve been better at carving out productive time this week.
  • I almost gave up on a pastel piece, but it’s starting to take shape.
  • I spent a wonderful evening with one of my best friends, a brother from another mother on his birthday last night.