For longer than a week our part of the country was under what weather people call a “heat dome.” The temperature soared; the humidity was terrible. Employers made sure workers were provided plenty of water. Cities opened shelters. Most people stayed indoors. We are fortunate to have air conditioning so staying indoors was not difficult, although I longed to be outside to garden. So I allowed thistles to grow another foot taller and weeds to spread. The lawn turned brown. On one of those days about five in the afternoon, the temperature was in the upper 90s, but my good husband wandered outside. After about ten minutes, I wondered about his hereabouts so went to find him. I could not find him.
Neighbors joined in the search. The heat was intense, and I knew something bad had happened. We called the police. To make a long story short, some people found him. He was seven blocks away from home, disoriented, and suffering. He was flushed, shaking, and didn’t know where he was. He was taken to ER.
Hospital personnel told me they were overwhelmed that evening with people being brought in with heat-stroke symptoms. Fortunately, my husband was discharged the next day after being thoroughly checked. It was good to have him home again, and fortunately, the heat lessened. Summer activities resumed at a more normal rate. The reason I tell this story is to emphasize the importance of staying hydrated.
I recall Coleridge’s line in the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.” Poets, writers, and artists have repeatedly tried to capture the nuances of water, whether it be a peaceful lake scene, the turbulence of a swirling ocean, or water from the faucet.
Water is mysterious. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The water understands/ Civilization well,/It wets my foot, but prettily,/ It chills my life, but wittily,/ It is not disconcerted,/ It is not broken-hearted./ Well used, it decketh joy, /Adorneth, doubleth joy:/ Ill used, it will destroy, / In perfect time and measure/ With a face of golden pleasure/Elegantly destroy.”
Emily Dickinson had a better view in “Summer Shower.” She says, “A drop fell on the apple tree, / Another on the roof, / A half a dozen kissed the eaves,’ and made the gables laugh.
For artists such as Monet, Hockney, Constable, or Hambleton, seascapes and water have become enduring themes. According to biblical teachings, (Gen. 1:1-2) water was created when the Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the formless material described in Day 1.
Water refreshes, revitalizes, causes flora and fauna to flourish. Up to 60% of our bodies is made up of water. H2O is vital. On average, the blood is about 51% water. Water, water, and more water! The body needs it. The body demands it. If not present, the body goes into delirium and confusion. Dehydration symptoms included fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. No matter the heat index, stay hydrated!
Neighbors joined in the search. The heat was intense, and I knew something bad had happened. We called the police. To make a long story short, some people found him. He was seven blocks away from home, disoriented, and suffering. He was flushed, shaking, and didn’t know where he was. He was taken to ER.
Hospital personnel told me they were overwhelmed that evening with people being brought in with heat-stroke symptoms. Fortunately, my husband was discharged the next day after being thoroughly checked. It was good to have him home again, and fortunately, the heat lessened. Summer activities resumed at a more normal rate. The reason I tell this story is to emphasize the importance of staying hydrated.
I recall Coleridge’s line in the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.” Poets, writers, and artists have repeatedly tried to capture the nuances of water, whether it be a peaceful lake scene, the turbulence of a swirling ocean, or water from the faucet.
Water is mysterious. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The water understands/ Civilization well,/It wets my foot, but prettily,/ It chills my life, but wittily,/ It is not disconcerted,/ It is not broken-hearted./ Well used, it decketh joy, /Adorneth, doubleth joy:/ Ill used, it will destroy, / In perfect time and measure/ With a face of golden pleasure/Elegantly destroy.”
Emily Dickinson had a better view in “Summer Shower.” She says, “A drop fell on the apple tree, / Another on the roof, / A half a dozen kissed the eaves,’ and made the gables laugh.
For artists such as Monet, Hockney, Constable, or Hambleton, seascapes and water have become enduring themes. According to biblical teachings, (Gen. 1:1-2) water was created when the Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the formless material described in Day 1.
Water refreshes, revitalizes, causes flora and fauna to flourish. Up to 60% of our bodies is made up of water. H2O is vital. On average, the blood is about 51% water. Water, water, and more water! The body needs it. The body demands it. If not present, the body goes into delirium and confusion. Dehydration symptoms included fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. No matter the heat index, stay hydrated!
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