When the sun is shining, I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome. — Wilma Rudolph, U.S. Olympic 3-time gold winner (1940-1994)

She smelled of sun and daisies with a hint of river water. — Katie Daisy, artist, author, nature lover

Another beautiful not-so-hot morning on the porch. A slow breeze swept through the oak tree causing the leaves to tremble and the Spanish moss to sway back and forth. Sam had left hours earlier to go fishing with hopes of filling the freezer. Having a little breeze would make it more comfortable on the water as well as on the porch. In the meantime, Wilhelmina stretched out under the wooden bench while I enjoyed the views of the lake, the green lawn and fields. Flower baskets hanging from the porch posts invited butterflies to visit.  Bluebirds were still going in and out of their birdhouses. It was a bit surprising. It would be sweltering hot in that little wooden box though the little bluebirds didn’t seem to mind.

The hummingbirds are around and the feeders are still out. With all the hot weather we’re having it’s recommended to change the hummingbird feeders every few days if not daily. I went a little longer than the recommended time and found a few feeders packed with expired ants and another few with a sticky floating substance. This surely could not be good for hummingbirds. It didn’t take long to clean, refill, and put the feeders out again. In the past I have mentioned one should always check the feeders for praying mantis hanging around. They are up to no good and they are not “praying” they are preying. I know that sounds insane as it did to me the first time I was told a praying mantis would kill a hummingbird. Remarkably it is true. There are many YouTubes on the process. Not to be gruesome but the praying mantis has “swords” on the inside of his arms. With these swords they will impale the hummingbird quick as lightning. I make it a point to frequently look out the window at the feeders. If one is near it is easy to thump it off where it can fall below the porch deck.

On another note, from the “Old Farmer’s Almanac” there are suggestions on how to better manage this heatwave during the dog days of August. We’ve known a few folks to work outside longer than they should have and experienced heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Not only is it dangerous if one does survive symptoms can linger a very long time after so take precautions.

The almanac suggests cutting back on outside exercises, drink plenty of fluids like water and other cool drinks. Don’t drink liquids with dehydrating caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Avoid very cold drinks; drink cool drinks. As people age, they will need more fluids because the amount of water decreases with age.

Wear loose, cool clothing. Wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Stay in the shade especially between 11a.m. and 3 p.m. According to the CDC as stated in the almanac, fans may provide comfort but do not prevent heat-related issues. When temperatures move into the high 90’s and 100 heat indices, take a cool shower or bath and move into an air-conditioned place to cool off.

Take care, enjoy the last of the summer months, and be cool.

Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].