Yes, it was hot as hell today.

When I went out early in the morning for my walk, it was already a steamy 84 degrees. I made the best of it by trying to take mental snapshots of portions of the walk so that I can remember them when I strut my shit down the same streets in about six months when the temperature is about 80 degrees lower and my face is frozen.

Sure, it was uncomfortable, but if you listened to radio reports (I avoid watching local news on television), you’d think that we were all being exposed to deadly radioactive fallout rather than a hot, summer day. Just about every report contained useful “tips” for dealing with the heat:

Stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned space, if possible. Ya think?

Wear loose, lightweight, comfortable clothes. Upon hearing that, I immediately decided against wearing a parka and woolen hat.

Drink plenty of fluids. I’ll definitely keep that in mind the next time I get thirsty in 100 degree heat.

Seek out shade, when possible. Christ, even cows and dogs know this.

Finally, as we are all bitching about the heat, it would serve us well to remember that there are troops on the ground in Iraq where it is often 15 degrees hotter, and they are spending their days dressed in full battle gear (including body armor and helmet) chasing bad guys.