There are places in America where the sun scours the landscape, leaving nothing but the heartiest things on Earth behind to survive. These are the places that make Texas summers seem tame (with the exception of Houston, which can feel like a sunburned armpit in any given month). Texas still has a reputation for hot summers — and as I approach 30 years in the state (August 8), I can say with confidence there is truth to that.
So far, though, we’re off to the best summer I can remember…
Summer Solstice
The summer solstice was obscured by clouds yesterday. The only hint of the sun all day was a burning cataract hanging low in the sky before falling below the horizon and consumed by darkness. Sure, it was warm and humid (and I was in a long-sleeved shirt and jacket because I spoke at the DFW WordPress Meetup), but without direct sun, heat isn’t so bad.
Today I slept a bit longer than usual because the sound of rain I didn’t know was coming tapped a steady rhythm made for dozing against the bedroom windows. A jaunt into the world in search of breakfast found my wife and me wet with rain and enjoying 70-degree weather
. Mourning doves formed avian flash mobs, gathering on fence railings and curbs to shower and welcome the last rain we may see for months.
This Will Change
I know the weather will change. Our drought will continue and some lakes will dry up completely this year. The sun will be big and bright and offer no quarter as it sears all it touches. But for now, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the first Sunday of summer than by enjoying the rain, a mug of Earl Grey tea, and the sound of the dishwasher in the kitchen.
For at least this morning, I can pretend it’s spring or fall — not summer in Texas.
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