Summer Tonics

Copper Canyon Daisy

Summers in Central Texas can be seriously hot, even for this native Texan. Yesterday it was already 101 degrees, with a heat index of over 105 because of humidity. It's not even officially summer, but we all know here that summer doesn't go by the calendar. In all honesty, without A/C, I couldn't live here. That said, as long as I have A/C to flee back into, I often find going out into the afternoon sun a restoring tonic in small doses. Because of where we are geographically, our weather can vary from dry to humid, depending often on which direction the latest front came from. If it came from the Gulf, there will be higher humidity. If it came from the west, the air will be dryer and more pleasant, at least as far as I'm concerned. We had a western front come in last night, so nice, breezy dry heat today.

We have a lot of low-care native plants in our yard, and it is calming to walk around in the sun and look at the wildflowers enjoying the sun's rays as much as I am. Some of them are all out in the open, and some enjoy from the vantage point of cool, dappled shade. There is no real design to our plantings. I'm more of an experimental gardener, for better or for worse, and some of the flowers reseed themselves or get help from the birds and show up all over the place unexpectedly. It keeps things interesting.

Rose Pavonia

When I happen to walk out into the backyard after dark, I am reminded how sound-insulated the house is, because the frogs and whatever else is out there are chattering away to each other in a kind of rhythm. It's a pretty loud chorus, and it is somehow relaxing, as long as the mosquito repellant is handy. (Lavender oil spray works for me most of the time.)

The hot dry weather is ideal for hanging things out to dry on the clothesline. The line is just rope strung between trees. There are always a few masks out there along with the other laundry, getting their sun-blessing. (They say it's the best disinfectant.)  There is something about this act that calms me even in my worst moods, especially when there is a slight breeze. It feels good knowing I am letting the passive heat of the sun take over for me. Another summer tonic. I get them when I can. It takes the edge off the anxiety.