Hot, Hot!

Back in our younger Choppers days – like when the guys were about 11 or so - they used to like to sing various dugout songs. One of them went like this:

1st Player Sings: “My name is ___ and you know what I’ve got?”
Team Answers: “What have you got?”
1st Player Replies: “I’ve got a team that is hotter than hot.”
Team Answers: “Hot Hot!”
1st Player Finishes: “Grand slams and home runs, too. Let’s see what ____ can do.”
(And he’d turn the routine over to a teammate who’d go through the same song. And everyone would take a turn!”)

In the Summer of 2012, I’m not sure about the grand slams or home runs…but there is one part about song that would really ring true.

Hot Hot!

All across the eastern two-thirds of the nation, it’s hotter than hot! The weather forecasters are talking about temperatures at or over 100 degrees in much of the South. While it is a statistical curiosity, does it really matter where the temperature tops out? Folks, when it’s over 95, that’s hotter than hot. 98. 99. 100. It’s all the same.

Hot Hot!

When there is an extreme weather event like this – blizzard, hurricane or oppressive heat – it’s all everyone talks about. I think that is part of our coping mechanism. We do what we can do to make it through the tough times and commiserating with your neighbor is one part of that.

It’s almost enough to make you want to go find a bad country song to sing about the heat.

In the South, we have extreme heat. But out west, they have heat and drought and the unfortunate convergence of those conditions has produced horrible wildfires. Firefighters are struggling to try to contain these wildfires but they’re fighting an uphill battle.

We all root for their efforts and pray for their safety. We also pray for those who are in harm’s way.

Meanwhile, the rest of us must remain mindful of how to keep ourselves safe during these days of 90+ (or 100+) temperatures. My friend, Ed, is working at a remote sight this week. He reported that working in the heat really takes its toll. He did all the right things to protect himself.

The CDC has a great webpage with tips for all of us to consider. I sent him the link. Here is the URL for you to browse:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp

So take it easy out there, friends. Check on your friends and loved ones frequently – especially if you know of anyone who doesn’t have access to air conditioning. Drink plenty of fluids and follow all the other helpful bits of advice.

Hang in there. And remember, “This, too, shall pass.”

JG 

(Source: knoxnews.com)

Originally posted 6/28/2012