Day 748

These summer days are beautiful, but the Goldens heat up quickly. We do not walk if the humidity is high, the sidewalk is hot or the temperature is up there. The pups do not understand any of this and would overheat quickly.

When I was younger, I loved to overheat! I would mow the lawn (my parents too), rollerblade to exhaustion and soak in the sun for hours. Those were the days... Now, I am more aware of heat and sun dangers. Gone are the days of baby oil and Sun-In (to sun-bleach the hair) and welcome to the days of sunblock and shade. That's OK...the Goldens would not have enjoyed sun-tanning anyway!

Years ago, I was well into my second hour of mowing, when I realized a police car had pulled up to the curb. Eyeing the situation, I saw the officer get out of his car and approach me. Reluctantly turning off the mower and slightly apprehensive, I smiled and asked if I could help him. Without hesitating, he told me I needed to stop and go straight inside immediately! To say I was perplexed and more than a little concerned, I looked around for any danger approaching. When I didn't start moving towatds the door, he informed me the heat index was well into the danger zone. Didn't I hear the news about one of the Vikings succumbing to the heat during Training Camp? Hardly missing a beat, I wiped the sweat out of my eyes and told him I just had two more swipes at the yard and then I would go in to cool off. He paused and told me to go ahead, but he would be watching from the squad car. I finished and then went inside. As I entered the house, I turned to see him slowly drive away...shaking his head!

I wouldn't try that trick again now! However, I remember feeling slightly chastised, but grateful for that police officer! They are amazing...both then and now

So, we face the heat and, like typical Minnesotans, there will be complaints about the temperature, humidity and mosquitoes... let's not forget about those buggers! However, this summer, I have a goal: Whenever I feel like a complaint about the weather is surfacing, I am going to remember the snow, cold and ice from winter time. I will take the heat any day and, as long as my Goldens are cool, life is good!