Begin The Slog

To Berdoo!

I thought today would be a good day to treat all of you to a sight you probably don’t see often, if at all: Riverside’s Metrolink Station just after dawn. I’m sharing this vision with you for a couple of reasons; a) I thought these clouds were amazing, and b) because I’m cranky after having to get up so early this morning — post Fourth of July dinner party and fireworks — and you probably didn’t! Don’t get me wrong, the party was fine, great to see friends (I didn’t even mind being told I “looked haggard”), the food was terrific (especially dessert: drunken cherries with mascarpone and lemon biscotti!) and the fireworks were awesome (oh, and Mt. Rubidoux caught fire). So, what would make me so cranky? The heat, that’s what … because although this picture would seem to indicate cool overcast, the cloud cover is acting more like lid on a simmering pot which will soon overheat and boil over! Saturday, Sunday and Monday were all varying degrees of miserable … and I’m over it already!

Toward L.A.

Yes, of course, I realize the heat’s only just begun, but still: how much gardening can one get done while blinded by sweat, dizzy from dehydration and, overall, on the verge of collapse? The heat just really cuts into my, um, will to live, let’s say, not to mention my usual good mood. It makes me lazy, tired and, yes, haggard, and I hate it.

So, back to these lovely cloud photos: In the first, San Bernardino is the next station, in the other, Los Angeles’ Union Station. Both are stops on the long, moist, airless slog to Fall 2011, but, as on most days, I’m choosing LA. Not only is the pay better but the verging-on-frigid air conditioning at the office never fails to cheer me up … something my co-workers should be grateful for.

If you live in a region that doesn’t get as hot as here, thank whomever, or whatever,  you thank for such blessings … and think of me, and Paul, and Frito and Inky and wish us well. It’s a known fact that the murder rate goes up when the mercury hits the top of the scale … just sayin’.