Thursday, July 21

 We're having a heat wave. I think many of you could say that now and not be prevaricating. I was driving down a major road here today and the temperature gauge in my car said 101*. As I passed a certain point, it started sprinkling, and within seconds, it was a full cloudburst. By the time I had gone only half a mile, the gauge said 89*. Apparently, the rainwater was able to cool the air temperature that quickly, but I would never have guessed that was possible. We needed the rain badly, so I was glad to see it, and hoped that the area around my home was getting some of it too.  About 90 minutes later, I retraced my route, and the pavements were wet until I passed the original place where the sprinkling started - then it was as dry as a bone all the rest of the way home. About 3 hours later, we got a measure of it too. Not enough, but some is better than nothing.

Are you an avid reader?  I'd like to recommend an author whose books I've gotten to know lately. Her name is Lisa See. First, I read "Snowflower and the Secret Fan", and enjoyed it. Then a friend gave me her novels "Shanghai Girls" and its sequel, "Dreams of Joy". Each one is better than the last! I'm not suggesting that guys would like these books (although some might) but I simply didn't want to put them down, especially the last one. I've read that "Snowflower...." has been made into a movie. I can't wait to see it, and I hope they will make movies of the other two.

I'll leave you with a quote - a true one - I think, and especially of politicians:

                             "We have, I fear, confused power with greatness".

                                          Stewart I. Udall, politician (1920-2010)

14 comments:

Granny Annie said...

This heat wave drive us all indoors where we need plenty of reading material to occupy us and keep us away from our televisions that are filled with nothing but politics. Yep, you covered it ALL in one post:)

Gilly said...

I wouldn't like it that hot! I'd be a little damp spot on the ground!!

Like the quote - think it would be a good idea if Politicians here, and News International as well, took it to heart!

(If that doesn't make sense, then there is a terrific storm happening with the newspapers, Politicians, Rupert Murdoch (and his henchmen) and the London Police all involved in various dirty dealings! Well, not just dirty, positively obscene and appalling!

LL Cool Joe said...

I wish we'd have a heatwave. It's like an autumn day here in the UK.

Arkansas Patti said...

I do understand the heat. It has been brutal here and I love when it rains to cool it down. We need more.
I have not read her but will check her out. Thanks.

Grannymar said...

You have extreme heat and we have much cooler weather. Last night I needed to put the central heating on!

Pat said...

Nothing like a good book. Recently a fellow blogger told me about Jane Gardam and I'm gradually working my way through her wonderful books.
Start with 'Old Filth'.
Filth is 'failed in London try Hong Kong.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Judy,
I am so sorry to tell you that my dear dog Flora passed away, 12 Tuesday. I am very sad… we loved her so much, she was so sweet, so adorable… I did a post to homage her on my blog. It was very painful to did that post…
A big hug to you.

Jenny Woolf said...

I'm so glad it's not that hot here. Reading about peoples' heatwaves has made me appreciate our chilly, dank English summer!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

This heat that is covering most of the East & Midwest, sounds very very scary....People dying, etc.
Thank God for AIR CONDITIONING....!
And thanks for the 'heads up' on those books...!

Ginnie said...

same thing here, Judy. The quick rain was a great relief.

Jean Campbell said...

I found another unusual but pretty wedding for you. I don't go looking for these things. This was linked by Vodkamom in something unrelated to weddings.

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/06/22/rancho-las-lomas-wedding-by-elysium-productions-inviting-occasion/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+typepad/style_me_pretty+(Style+Me+Pretty:+The+Ultimate+Wedding+Blog)

I hope this works.
I went to Style Me Pretty too but I didn't linger.

oklhdan said...

That heat wave is also here. 28 days of 100+ temps.. highest 114. It's a great excuse to stay in with a good book. Thanks for the recommendation!

Chancy said...

Thanks for the book suggestion. I am always looking for good books to read.

It is too hot here in Atlanta to go outside.

Chancy said...

Thanks for the book suggestion. I am always looking for good books to read.

It is too hot here in Atlanta to go outside.