Of Lizards and Racoons and Life in an Oven

It's a steamy 84 degrees in Dallas, with overcast skies. Today's forecast calls for temperatures to reach only 97, about eight degrees shy of yesterday's miserable scorcher. Ah, the delights of August in Dallas.

One positive thing that steamy days bring is the opportunity to see interesting creatures. A brood of lizards lives in and around the plants surrounding our flagstone patio, attracted to the area no doubt by the coolness afforded by the lush cover of leaves and the opportunities to feast on insects that find the plants attractive. The lizards, which make themselves visible only during hot, steamy weather, compete for their meals with house wrens and sparrows that like to land on the flagstones, cock their heads to one side, and watch the underside of leaves for movement. When they see a caterillar edging along, they dash in to grab it in their beaks, flit back down onto a flagstone, and then sling their heads from side to side, beating the caterpillar onto the stone. Interesting, if unappetizing.

Speaking of critters, last night as my wife and I were walking down the flagstone path from the parking lot past the theater where we saw Into the Woods, we saw a young woman sitting on her haunches, staring intently at something across the path. As we go nearer, the object of her interest became apparent: it was a very small, very young racoon that seemed to be having a hard time walking. It stopped to what appeared to be a nut that was on the ground. As we slowly walked by, the young woman looked us and smiled. Later, after the musical was underway, we realized the young woman was the actor playing the role of Cinderella.

My wife had planned on going to the office today, but we got an announcement yesterday that the air conditioning would be off today for repairs. With temperatures in the upper 90s, the office is apt to be unbearable, so that is out for her. Maybe we can enjoy a weekend day, instead.

I've decided that temperatures in the 90s can be bearable, so long as there is a breeze, some shade. And, of course, provided temperatures in the 90s do not follow temperatures well over 100 for several days. Once the temperatures get that high, and linger there for day after day, the earth seems to absorb so much heat that it exacerbates the air temperature. So, for example, when temperatures have been in the 80s and get into the 90s, it is bearable...again, with breezes and shade. But those same temperatures will be unbearable if temperatures have been in the 100s. Once that has happened, going outdoors is like stepping into your life in the oven.

Enough of this...I must get my oven mitts.