I remember being told in high school biology class that one tree produced as much of a cooling effect as 30 air conditioners. This was back when air conditioners were very inefficient. I can only look at the high temperatures down in the Lower 48, and also parts of Canada, from an example related viewpoint because it has been a rather cold summer here, with the exception being a single cluster of days when it was pretty warm.

We are now leaving July and going into August in what I consider to be a heatwave. The upper quadrant thermometer read 89 degrees F (it was in the sun), and the lower quadrant thermometer read 79 degrees F (it was in the shade). So I estimated that at 4 p.m. it was 85 degrees F. Pretty dang hot if you

The creek crossing

ask me. I sought shade, and I found it, in the woods. I rode all four horses on our trails and was amazed just how cool it was. I think the horses were most appreciative. I did not pour water on them when we crossed the creek, but I did let them graze because the water was cooling.

I did think some, as I was riding, of those who live in cities, stacked on top of one another. This is what happens when you have large concentrations of people – they start to live on the sides and above and below one another. Some don’t have access to woods. They go outside and it’s hotter outside than inside. Those with money go to places with air conditioning, like movie theatres. The only problem is that they can’t stay in these places indefinitely. If I lived in a city and they had movie theatre sleepovers, I would be the first in line. I like sleepovers. And yes, movie theatres have popcorn.

I painted a newspaper box today in the shade of the woodshed. It was almost as good as being in the woods; however, I noticed that my concentration was off. This is why the trim looks so sloppy. Pete was once a professional painter – he did not say anything about my completed project, this being his polite was of saying that it really sucked.

I did, though, commend myself again for taking the initiative to do this task. This box is going to the Alaska State Fairgrounds where it can be found in the Eckert Garden. I am not sure if I am going to put books in it or if someone else is going to do this. Right now, what’s important is that I had follow through on this project. For a while I put it out of mind because getting the boxes on site seemed like an insurmountable task. But two boxes, this I decided, would be do-able. I got permission from Pamella Meekins, the ASF vendor and exhibit coordinator. I am going to see if I can get a box for the recycling center – I guess that I’ll have to paint and decorate it.

Next: 212. 8/2/21: Son of Heatwave