Weather Alert

I know many of you have seen the news. People all over the country are experiencing bizzare weather. Floods, fires, severe hot weather, rains etc. There were even unfounded reports of a toranado on the east end. The National Weather Center disagrees though, but I think that the folks who lost trees and fences and pools would disagree! Now, the hurricaine season is upon us! Look out Long Island! We here on the island are experiencing terrible humidity and heat. The past three days temperatures have reached above 90 degrees. I can't remember when we have had weather this severe in June. My husband, who never ever ever puts the air conditioners in before July 4th considered doing it.That in itself is a miracle, considering it. We have a ceiling fan in the bedroom(ours) and the living room and kitchen. Those do help a little, and thank goodness for the pool. I had to pick Patrick up from school, he was having symptoms of heat related issues. He never has problems as a result of the heat, sometimes he does get a headache, but that is when he isn't hydrating. Yesterday he went through three bottles of water before noon. He called me at 1030 in the morning. I was in Walmart, shopping for a few necessities, so it took me a little while to get there, I picked him up at 1100. He came home, had some more water, changed his clothing, and rested. Later in the afternoon, he actually ate, and was able to function. He went in the pool when Daniel went in. Cassidy came home and she wanted to go in, so Mom suited up. We spent a good hour in the pool, just cooling off. This year, my goal with the pool is to have Cassidy floating and swimming on her own. She will be 7 next week, she needs to learn. The pool is kidsafe though, it is above the ground, the ladder is removable, and locks in an upward position. Our yard is fenced, so hopefully that is a deterent to those who think the pool is public. Ihad a frank discussion last evening with a friend. Her 11 year old son called when I was at the butcher. Danny answered the phone and told him that I wasn't home, and that no one was allowed in the pool when we weren't home. I called her and told her that under no circumstances was her son to be in my pool when she wasn't there to watch him. I don't allow anyone in the pool without being watched. Joyce is my oldest and best friend. She and I grew up together, but Joyce is limited, she is learning disabled. Her 11 year old is also, add to that ADHD and well you get the picture. SO, I must spell things out in no uncertain terms, in her level. There will be no problems in my yard! SO, today is predicted to be just as hot, humid and horrible, we will grin and bear it, we will get through it. Hopefully the predicitons of the temperatures breaking by this evening, will come true. It will be a relief for everyone. I am complaining, and I haven't even gotten into the fact that poor Scott works outdoors in this stuff! He came home withered and damp. He stopped several times during the day to drink and get out of the heat. He has been doing this for quite a while, so he gets used to it, as used to it as is possible. He likes the heat, rather than the cold. He now says that the cold hurts, that it is impossible to keep warm, at times, but that there is always a way to get cool. I hope so. Heat is so dangerous. I used to call my mother on days like this, early, so that I could make sure that her airconditioning was on. I used to go over to check that it was on low so she didn't get cold. There were times that she would shut it off completely and we would go round and round about it. I actually woke up and thought about calling her to put her air on...but then I remembered...her phone is disconnected...she isn't there any longer...the house is empty.... I have to stop worring about it, the problem doesn't need to be taken care of by me. So, I went on about my day. I hope the weather is cooperating for the rest of you out there, think of me if you have cool breezes, a nice cool house, or a small amount of rain. I will be thinking of those who have it worse than us on Long Island. Hope the floods receede for them, hope there isn't too much material damage, or loss of life. Remember that material stuff can be replaced, photos retaken, life is more important. If the officials in your area say evacuate, take what you can, leave the rest, get out together, that is what is important.