Well, it’s the middle of the summer already and here in Texas it’s not quite as hot as past years. We’re in the low to mid 90’s, whereas usually we have already hit multiple days with the heat reaching over 100 degrees. I remember growing up in Michigan, the temperatures in the summer would be in the mid 80’s with the occasional hot day in the 90’s . The temperature in the morning would always start out pretty cool with the high lingering in around noon. The temperatures would then begin to cool as the day dwindled on. I moved here to Texas newly married at the age of 22. I was excited with the prospect of having warmer winters. I imagine my immature self-did not consider the heat that would come in the summers. It’s enough to take your breath away.
In Texas, most people either have a pool, know where a city pool is or have access to a sprinkler to cool down not only your own body but the body of your beloved dog. Shade trees are a blessing and parking underneath one is like winning the lottery. Iced tea is the state drink, although it is not mine. Too much Yankee in my blood, I prefer iced coffee.
The mornings usually begin in the upper 80’s and crawl to over 100 degrees early on in the day. The heat continues through out the whole day and begins to dip around supper time. This never gives the temperature a chance to go down too low and thus when the sun rises again in the morning, it’s still sweltering from the day before. When a cloud passes by, a collective breath is taken by all in it’s path. A minute of peace from the unrelenting sun. When it rains, you can actually see the steam rising from the cement as the cool waters hit the scorching earth.
When Eddie Cochran wrote the song, Summertime Blues, he was talking about being a teen in the summer in the 1950’s. I love this because my next children’s book takes place in the 50’s as well. I’m sure there was a radio in the background in the kitchen that everyone was dancing too.
Eddie Cochran – Summertime Blues [stereo] – YouTube
I was born a few years later, but I know as a teen I was
raising a fuss and a holler,
about a working all summer just a tryin to earn a dollar.
Being a teen is hard. All you want to do is hang with your friends and have enough money to do so.
How are your summertime blues this summer? All I want to do these days is stay cool.
Blueberry Pancake Publishing 
What a beautiful post, Lisa. I feel the summertime blues right now. As the heat rises, I’m feeling the anxiety around others. Covid is on the rise here in my area (we’ve made national news). Even worse, I have a 35 year old cousin in I.C.U. My family is being hit “hard” and I feel deadlines for myself. But rather than put the pressure on, I’m releasing it. I’m trying to stay 100% focused on my project at hand and not get too lost in the weeds of distractions. But even more important, just staying grounded. I’ve been thinking of you! Take care and stay blessed. I’ll try and catch up soon. 💚🤗🤍☀☀
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Oh my Karla. I’m so sorry. Covid has been really good here and so it feels normal. I’ll pray for you and your family. We’ve had this illness stopping our lives for way to long. I know we can beat this. Your spirit guides me to be a better person. Thank you. Lisa
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Lisa, thank you so much for your prayers and kind words. My family has battled some tough things right now. And I see it everywhere. With faith we will get through it. 💚💜💛
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