Cooler

 After a sweltering streak, the heat has finally broken. Yesterday afternoon the skies opened up and a cold downpour thoroughly soaked everything for nearly an hour. Timmy and I, both eager for something fun to do and to cool off, happily ran into the rain to play. We were thoroughly drenched by the time we came inside, but it was a lot of fun.

This morning the temperatures are already 20 degrees cooler. Friend, who has been miserable in the heat, was happy and prancing when he felt the temperature difference. I know that it isn't going to last, but my goodness I appreciate the reprieve. I am not made for summer.

Richard Simmons

It is strange how a celebrity death can feel like a personal loss. Over the weekend Richard Simmons passed away and I must admit that I am genuinely sad. Although I've never met the aerobics guru, his tapes became an important part of my daily routine during a very difficult time of my life. 

Graduate school was a difficult time for me. I had moved to another region of the country without knowing a single person. Unlike undergrad school, where I quickly formed friendships, I discovered that dorm life changed significantly between the two universities. I was incredibly lonely.

I was so lonely that I began to play Richard Simmons tapes in my room just because he was so upbeat and motivating. When I felt like I was spiraling into loneliness, I grasped onto him promising that he believed in me, and that I could do it. Between the zippy music, the fun moves and his motivating commentary, Richard Simmons' tapes became the background to my graduate school experience. In my mind, the two are forever entwined. 

Richard has been out of the spotlight for many years although he had made a quick return to social media. His posts of motivation and wild self-acceptance always brought a smile to my face. When I heard that he had passed I was truly shocked. The world has lost a great cheerleader at a time when they are desperately needed.

Nellie Jo

 Although my Mom swore that she was never going to adopt another dog after her beloved Yayo crossed over the Rainbow Bridge last month, she has been scrolling through rescue websites for several weeks. Late last week she became interested in a 3 year old goldendoodle named Nellie Jo and was delighted when the pup was going to be at a rescue event on Saturday. While Timmy thoroughly enjoyed swimming Friday afternoon, the highlight of his weekend was accompanying his Nana to the dog rescue on Saturday.

Nellie's tail immediately began to wag when my Mom bent down to pet her. The bond between the two was instant and palpable. Nellie Jo needed my Mom and, in many ways, my Mom needs Nellie. Holding the leash on Saturday was the first time I have seen my Mom authentically smile since learning about my brother's death in April. Having found each other, Nellie curled next to Timmy for the long ride back to her new home. 

We stayed for a few hours after bringing Nellie to her new home. Introducing Nellie to a new home, her new sibling (my sister's dog Marco) and a canine cousin (Friend) was a lot of fun. She was cautious but it did not take long for the puppies to start whirling and racing around my Mom's back yard. I have a feeling that she will be fully acclimated by the next time we visit.

While I was in Pennsylvania visiting my Mom, Scott and Robby were busy selling at a local mall. The pair were busy but thankful that the event was indoors and air conditioned. In this heat, nobody wants to be outside! The heat wave is supposed to resume today, which means my hibernation shall continue. I am really not made for summer!

 

Swimming

 Today Scott and Robby are heading to the mall to sell FlexyFriends while Timmy and I continue to visit with my Mom. We will be heading back to Virginia tomorrow afternoon but not before we help my Mom with a very important task. Tomorrow she is visiting the dog rescue to pick up her new pup. Timmy has been anxiously anticipating helping Nana pick up her pup and has even offered to hold the dog on the car ride from the shelter to his new home. Talk about exciting!

This afternoon Timmy is going to go swimming with my Mom. The oppressive heat has finally broken (at least for a few days) and I hope to take advantage of it. We haven't been able to go swimming all year and I think some splishing and splashing is overdue. 

So far this summer has been lackluster. Between graduations, retirement, a broken arm and preparing to move, summertime fun has been pushed to the bottom of our list. I think I need to make more of an effort because time is flying. Hopefully we'll be able to fit more pool fun into our schedule in the coming months. I think we all need it!

Mom

 Help- we're melting!

This heat is wiping us all out. With over 20 days over 90 degrees, I am done with summertime. Without a pool or a way to play in the sun, the heat is absolutely wasted. Even Friend, who is content and happy all the time, seems to be wilting and melting in the oppressive weather. 

Without outdoor activities off the table (again) it was another day of trying to entertain the kids while juggling work. Today Timmy and I are heading to PA to spend a few days with my Mom. I haven't spent as much time as I would like in PA and I am excited for the break. Even though I'll still be working, it always feels a little easier when I am with my Mom.

Too hot

 Yesterday was hot and today is forecast to be even worse. With temperatures in the triple digits with high humidity, there is nothing we can do outside that will allow us to remain safe and comfortable. Too hot to go to the pool, we are going to be spending another day inside hibernating from the heat. After spending Thursday and Friday in the heat of the day I'm not about to risk being made sick again.

While I have never loved the heat, my dislike has intensified since my amputation. In the sun my socket turns into a little solar oven, essentially baking my limb. When I am outside in the direct rays I do my best to shade my socket whenever possible. When I cannot do that, or when it simply becomes too hot, I have no choice but to cool it down quickly with a splash of cold water. Have I mentioned how much I hate extreme temperatures?

Today will be another day of the kids complaining about being bored. Perhaps it is a good day to go to a movie...

Heat Sick

 I apologize for missing a post.  On Thursday (the 4th of July) Scott and I set up to sell at the Fredericksburg Street Fair. To say that it was hot would be an understatement. Temperatures hovered around 100 degrees with high humidity. It was beyond miserable! We had toyed with the notion of bringing the kids but the forecast was the deciding factor.

After sitting in the swamp heat for 6 hours, Scott and I were both left feeling worn out and heat sick. Unfortunately for me, a lengthy recovery time was not an option. I woke up early on Friday, feeling absolutely worn out, and got to work. In the late afternoon I logged off and Scott and I headed out to set up for a First Friday event. 

We tried to console ourselves with promises of an easier sell event because it was in the 'evening.' With temperatures in the low 100s with high humidity, there was little relief. Thank goodness for Scott's portable misting fan. The experiences would have been unbearable had we not had his swamp air conditioner.

I spent Saturday drinking as much water as I could while resting on the couch. My legs felt like they were cinder blocks while my torso and arms felt like they were floating. Being heat sick is a very weird sensation! I hope to not repeat it again because it was miserable.