Tuesday, July 5, 2011

De Olde Dry Bones

It's that time of year in Phoenix when the hot desert wind will whittle you down to your brittle bones. And by the time your bones are cleansed of tissue, they'll be blanched by the brutally efficient sun.

We had a 118 degree day already. I think this must sound crazy to anyone else in the US unless, of course, they keep a summer home in Death Valley. Okay, and yes, it is a dry heat - mostly. But it's so dry here that any overcast can be a relief and feel oppressive with humidity at the same time.

A friend told me a few days ago that she feels as if she has grown use to this summer heat, days of 109 - 116 degree weather for four straight months. I've been here just short of nine years, and, no, I am not used to that heat. By October, I am actually angry. And if I thought that I could make the desert feel my wrath, I'd probably wander around beating cacti, rocks and scorpions with a broom.

2 comments:

  1. Ouch, I can't blame you for not getting used to that. Sounds as harsh as the blithering winters some endure (or worse?). I did envy your colorful language and vivid imagery, though they made me wince for you.

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  2. I might have exaggerated a little, Shopgirl...sometimes it's not as high as 109 or as low as 116 :-) But it is brutal. My hope for you is that you live where the summers are considerably milder. And, honestly, there is no true winter here in this valley.

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