Heat Wave and Drought!

Well, today will probably be the 14th straight day of 100+ degree temperatures. :p It'll also be the 22nd straight day of temps over 95 degrees. This is definitely the hottest August on record...ever! Add to the heat the lack of rain (we're 14.30 inches below normal for the year) and things are pretty bad around here. Shad said that he's only mowed *maybe* 5 times this Summer. That's it. Our grass is so damaged that we're afraid to even WALK on it. There are a few weeds that have grown tall enough that they need to be trimmed, but Shad won't do it for fear of damaging the rest of the grass. I figure, "What the heck? The grass is already dead!"

The lack of rain is so bad that some cities have enforced water restrictions. Thankfully, Murfreesboro isn't one of them. One recent enforcement involved farmers not being able to use city water for their crops and livestock. I consider that animal abuse, in my opinion! If they don't have access to ponds or they don't sell off the livestock, their animals are going to die! The city of Franklin is lacking so much water that if something major happens (lack of power, big fire, etc.), they'll be in big trouble. We really need rain!

I can't remember the last time I took Christopher outside to play. A few mornings here and there (if we're up early enough and have nothing else to do), we've gone for a walk before the heat kicks in. Other than that, getting in and out of the car and walking to the mailbox to check the mail, this child isn't getting any other outdoor time. I really can't wait for Fall! With our luck, though, we'll go straight from Summer to Winter. :p Then, we'll be stuck inside because it's too COLD outside. That's the South for 'ya!