RECORD HEAT FOR JUNE 2021 AND PROBABLY AN ALL TIME RECORD

 High for today is 115 degrees at our place and it is only June 27th.   This beats our record of 112 since moving here in 2006.   Not a bird in sight, not even a buzzard and the only insect out and about are a few Yellow Jackets.    My sister tells me it is 119 in Death Valley today, hard to imagine here in Oregon we are 4 degrees cooler than Death Valley.    Going outside for few minutes to check on plants and cats is like going into an oven.   Cats are under front steps in shade and will not respond to me trying to bring them inside.   No way I can reach them down there.   Air conditioner is going full blast at time of this writing and have mercy on us if it breaks down or if there is a power outage.    Fire danger is presently Moderate, but if this heat continues it is only a matter of time before it goes up to High and then Extreme.   Can not imagine fighting fire in this heat.   Only mad dogs and Englishmen out in this weather.  With three more months of summer to get through how will we survive?    Fall can't get here fast enough.

MAKING THE TRANSITION

Spring turns into summer, the grass starts to turn brown, there is the early morning smell of flowers, the birds are singing and a new day begins.   The warm afternoon slows the pace of daily life and there is time to reflect on the past and ponder the future.  

Celia, my wife, companion and best friend for the last 24 years departed this world on May 28, 2021.   As her caregiver for the last three years, I now find myself dealing with her estate, our living trust, occasionally grieving her absence in my life and trying to find my way forward. 

Just like the changing of the seasons we all make transitions through our personal choices, some life events beyond our control and good old time--Life goes on.