Lizard Heat

To say it has been warm around here is an understatement. We have actually broken all time heat records this past week. Now, mind you, I am NOT one to complain about heat because I am sure that I am half lizard. Bring it on! We are fortunate enough to not have the humidity that can make heat waves so miserable. Our climate is very dry and just the slightest movement of the air is delightful. I do, however, get a little disgruntled when we have rolling black outs due to the drain on the power grid. This was the case over the weekend.

Saturday was perfect for a lovely BBQ and outdoor dining with my brother, sister, their spouses and my mother. The menu was changed at the last minute because our original plan was to cook in the outdoor wood oven. Considering that the oven heats up to 850* we felt that 97* temperatures outside plus the cooking heat was a little too hot. It was just fun to all get together and enjoy good food and good company.

Sunday was another scorcher. The temperature soared to 98*. The house stays remarkably cool if it is opened up early and closed as the sun comes up. We were lucky enough to not feel the need to run the air conditioner. However, as I was cooking dinner I noticed my lights start to flicker. Sure enough, that was followed shortly after by a total power outage. It wasn't too bad as we can get along just fine without the power for awhile. The biggest pain is to reset all the darn clocks!!! Everything is run by time or so it seems. Oven, microwave, coffee pot, VCRs (yes, I still have one of those), clocks, answering machine and all else look so happy just blinking away at "12:00." Why is it even the battery backup clocks tend to loose a few minutes? Of course it seems that I also have to dig out a few manuals to "remember" how to reset the times.

Monday was suppose to be considerably cooler but the temps again reached 93*. The humidity did pick up slightly which was a very welcome relief for the firemen working the fires in the hills. They do such a wonderful job protecting the homes that are built right into the hillsides. It truly is amazing how few homes will actually burn in these massive fires.

I have to share a picture of a creature that our grandchildren found near their yard.

When my family first moved to California from the Midwest we used to catch these things all the time. We always called them "horny toads." Of course they are really from the lizard family. The kids were quite impressed that I knew what it was and we immediately looked it up on the computer. Of course there was never any intention of keeping it for a pet and it was released after everyone got to see it. The one thing that I had conviently forgotten about it was the fact that they are able to shoot blood from their eyes to a distance of three feet. Now that would scare anything half to death. It truly looks and moves its head like a dinosaur. Considering the fact that they are currently endangered, I was thrilled to see one again.

I am hoping to get a little time in my sewing room this week. The schedule has been so busy lately and I really just need to make the time to have some fun. I found this wonderful reading on a blog a few weeks ago. I really wish that I could remember who had posted it so that I could give them credit, but it was just too funny to not pass it on to my readers who sew. This is how you prepare for sewing:

If you have ever had trouble focusing at the sewing machine or been a little stressed while quilting --this may be just the help you need.

Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do. Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.

Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.

When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress.

Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals.

Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on. If, you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy sewing as you should.

From a Singer Sewing Manual, 1949

Do you love it or what? Think that I would probably never enter my sewing room if I had to worry about all of this before I start.