It's an Ill Wind . . .

As the saying goes, "It's an ill wind that blows no one any good." The past month saw record-breaking high temperatures across the Midwest to the East Coast, from Kansas City to NYC, Baltimore, D.C., Hartford and Boston. On the heat wave's highest day, the east side of the nation baked under temperatures seldom seen outside the west.

Meanwhile, that "ill wind" blew cooler air to our home in northern California. During July, when we typically expect the 100-degree+ temperatures, our highs registered in the middle-90s. Most days were actually pleasant.

Decades ago, we lived in Connecticut during a heat wave and I remember the misery. Not only were our temperatures in the upper-90s, but the humidity was at 98-99%. That turns hot into unbearable. 

My thoughts have been with those suffering on the eastern side of the country, but (with some apology), I have to admit I'm grateful for the lovely days we've seen here. This week, when life is becoming livable again in the east and temperatures are rising in our hometown, we are AWOL, hanging out in cooler temperatures to the north.

We'll return to our home digs soon, knowing that the August heat will be there to welcome us. We can handle it. We've had a welcome break.

Susan Aylworth is the author of 18 published novels. Her latest is SUNNY'S SUMMER, a romance set in the Sierra foothills near her northern California home in the aftermath of the devastating #CampFire. Watch for AMBER IN AUTUMN, coming in September. She lives with her husband of 49 years, Roger. She loves to hear from readers. Find her at www.susanaylworth.com, @SusanAylworth, susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com, or facebook.com/Susan.Aylworth.Author. Also on Pinterest and Instagram.