It was 104 degrees yesterday. For those of you unfamiliar with the searing inferno that is a Texas summer, allow me to enlighten you: 104 degrees means you don’t go outside during the day unless absolutely necessary. 104 degrees means if you don’t wait a full five minutes with the AC on full-blast before you touch your seatbelt buckle, you will get branded. 104 degrees means if you have a dog, you walk him before the sun comes up or after it goes down. And 104 degrees means your once refreshing pool has been rendered a useless, lukewarm sinkhole in your backyard.
But despite the fact that summer days have been reduced to whiling away the hours indoors, waiting until it’s a more modest 90 degrees before I go outside, I sill love the summer and there are some truly redeeming characteristics of this hellish time of year.
1) Anyone from the South will tell you that there’s hardly anything more indicative of summertime than a chorus of cicadas (locusts to the rest of the world). I realize these little critters got a pretty bad rap in Exodus, but fewer things are more comforting to a Southerner than falling asleep to a cicada lullaby
2) I’ve already extolled the virtues of watermelons, but hear me out. It’s hot. You’re hot. You’re so hot and miserable that not even water sounds refreshing. Enter the miracle of a chilled watermelon. I know there are seeds (and there better be seeds, none of those wimpy, seedless melons) and that you get sticky watermelon juice all over your hands and chin. It’s so worth it. Which is why there is a bowl of watermelon chunks in my refrigerator from April to August.
3) The smell of freshly cut grass makes my nightly 9 PM dog-walks worth it. They say smell is the strongest of the senses, and I’m inclined to agree with them; one whiff of freshly chopped St. Augustine and I’m 10 years old running barefoot through the neighbor’s yard. If scents had a color, my neighborhood would smell green in the summertime.
4) Nothing says “summer” like firing up the grill and cooking for friends and family (or rather, my dad or boyfriend fire up the grill while I graze on dinner ingredients). Even if you don’t know the people across the street very well, in the summertime you know what they’re having for dinner from the smells wafting in the air. Hot dogs and barbecue chicken have a stong presence in the summer air, although sometimes people get fancy and I can smell a smoker or two from the diaphanous clouds of mesquite smoke they emit.
5) The smell of water. Not the ocean (this is Texas, we’re not exactly known for oceanfront property here), I’m talking about sprinklers and water hoses. Think about it: remember running through the sprinklers and playing with the water hose as a kid? That smell. Not chlorinated pool water, but good old water hose water. Granted, this is an early-morning/late-night smell being that we’re having something of a drought here (you might have heard), but when combined with the freshly-cut-grass smell, well, there’s nothing better. If you can’t remember what it smells like, get yourself outside, turn on the spigot and take a whiff. Smells like summer, doesn’t it?
6) Fireflies. These little guys are kind of disappearing, but when I was little they were everywhere and catching them was the best game around. Now it’s a little too dry for their liking, but every now and then you can spot one flickering around the front yard at dusk. It’s well worth your patience to just wait around for a while.
7) Since we prairie-folk don’t have an ocean handy, we’ve settled for lakes. The lake means a road trip, early mornings on the boat, cold beers (passengers only, of course), sunburns and obnoxiously loud music. We dream of lake weekends and cold beer the way Manhattanites dream of the Hamptons and rare wine.
(Interesting tidbit: There is only one natural lake in Texas, Caddo Lake, and it is partially in Louisiana).
8 ) Long, long days. I remember being put to bed as a kid when it was still light outside, and throwing an epic fit because I could still be playing in a puddle fishing for tadpoles. After having been wrestled into bed, I remember listening to my parents and the neighbors in the front yard until it got dark and I finally fell asleep. Now, long days mean I get to sit on twinkle-light-bedecked patios until after 9:30. Long days are long, summer dress days, days when you feel like letting your hair down, days that melt into night without you hardly noticing.
9) Summertime is lemonade stands. There’s been quite a ruckus about lemonade stands recently, and I’m kind of the opinion that anyone who makes a kid shut down his lemonade stand doesn’t have a soul. (My brother and I had a lemonade stand, and I feel certain that the $15 we made didn’t put anyone out of business). There’s one on about every corner in my neighborhood, and I’ve even started carrying a dollar or two when I run so if I pass a stand I can stop by. I always “accidentally” don’t have any quarters so I can just give them a whole dollar. It’s summer, it’s hotter than all get-out, and they deserve a dollar or two.
10) Fireworks. I realize that the 4th of July has passed, but that doesn’t mean all the fireworks are gone. Quite the contrary. Every couple of nights I’ll hear fireworks, sometimes a big one from a baseball game, but usually it’s the little ones, the Black Cats, that have been carefully hoarded and brought out on slow summer nights for a little added excitement. A few fireworks every now and then never hurt anyone (if they’re careful, anyways).
The things that make summer bearable are the things that make you forget it’s so hot to begin with. Happy summer.
Words Colors Cooking and Clothes 
I grilled last night on my apt. balconey with a George Foreman grill and that was nice and peaceful.
Posted by jessicaber | July 25, 2011, 5:52 pmNice post. But isn’t it too hot to grill?
Posted by realanonymousgirl2011 | July 25, 2011, 4:30 pmI am from Central Texas as well, about an hour south of Dallas, and until now I have had a bad relationship with this particular summer–every single day has been above 100 degrees, and I can’t walk outside for two minutes without breaking a sweat. However, this post made me feel so nostalgic, especially the “water hose water” smell (spot on!). I’m moving to Scotland for one year in a couple of months, and now I realized that I might miss the Texas heat more than I thought.
Posted by Alyssa Rasco | July 14, 2011, 4:27 ampost and photos……..both roxxxxxx
Posted by boomblastic | July 12, 2011, 2:53 pmpost and photos ………..both roxxxxxx
Posted by boomblastic | July 12, 2011, 2:51 pmYou are such a positive person…and your photos are gorgeous!!!!
Posted by 5kidswdisabilities | July 12, 2011, 3:15 amWell, thank you! I figured there’s no point in complaining about the heat….haha it’s here to stay for the next couple months!
Posted by Rachel | July 12, 2011, 3:04 pmThis makes me want to go to Texas. I have relatives that live in Virginia, and I’ve only been there a couple times during the summer, but it’s just magical, in the same way you’ve described Texas. I want a my wet, hot, American summer!
Posted by myfreakingawesomelife | July 11, 2011, 11:05 pmThis is a great post but this Texas girl thinks its just too blasted hot!! You are right, though…watermelon in the hot Texas sun is the BEST!
Posted by ChrisMarie | July 11, 2011, 4:05 pmAmen to your comment about wimpy seedless watermelons. I have been trying to find one with seeds for a while now.
Your Texas heat makes our Washington, DC humidity sound almost refreshing.
Congrats on your being Freshly Pressed!
Posted by Lonnie | July 11, 2011, 6:37 amWe would post the comical picture of the kid at toemail if it is your’s toi give permission for? http://toemail.wordpress.com
Just need a location and we would be good to go!
Posted by toemailer | July 11, 2011, 2:29 amI got it from this website: http://nomnommonster.com/tag/watermelon-seeds/ Love your blog by the way! Thank you for reading!
Posted by Rachel | July 11, 2011, 4:30 pmThis is exactly how summer should be described. Watermelon residue on your cheeks and fingers, grass stains on your knees and the sound of the neighbors’ kids running through the sprinkler. I hope summer never ends.
Posted by Laura Young | July 11, 2011, 12:27 amYour post makes me love summer all the more. Bring on the heat.
Posted by güvenç sönmez ocak | July 10, 2011, 9:22 pmGreat writing! Thanks for the lesson you gave us! I wish you a great summer!
Posted by niceartlife | July 10, 2011, 6:30 pmA wonderfully written post, I love it. btw, I have not seen a “seeded” water melon in many years, I didn’t think one could get them anymore.
Posted by nobusysignal | July 10, 2011, 5:09 amOnce it gets to 38c here in sydney I start melting and spend the rest of summer in the air cond . I’m such a whimp!
Posted by gaycarboys | July 9, 2011, 6:46 pmI love this post! Makes me visualize the “inferno” that is Texas! Lol
I’m from the tropics so I guess, I can manage the 104 degrees of heat 🙂
Posted by barrycyrus | July 9, 2011, 1:43 pmLove your post…takes me back to being a kid again when the heat didn’t seem to bother me so much. Thanks for reminding us how to look on life as a glass half full.
Posted by JSD | July 9, 2011, 12:01 pmNice post. It has been a huge shift in hotness moving to New Jersey from Wisconsin for the summer!
Posted by zaksuhar | July 8, 2011, 5:21 pmWow, you’re such a good writer. I loved your list! Made me appreciate my summer even more.
Posted by mouthfulofwords | July 8, 2011, 3:08 pmGreat post, and can very much relate to it here in South Dakota. Drinking homemade lemonade as we speak! 🙂
Posted by The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife | July 8, 2011, 2:52 pmHi, here in Spain it’s not quite 104, but it’s definitely hotter than I’ve been used to living in England, coming up to high 30s, which is in the 90s somewhere I think? No lemonade stands or fireflies here (cerveza and mosquito bites instead!) but couldn’t agree more about the watermelon and days playing bare foot in the garden with a sprnkler, hoes and paddling pool! I think my list now would be
1. Time off work (which means time to spend making and doing and creating and things 🙂 )
2. Long days and late nights.
3. Sitting by the pool and jumping in when it gets too hot.
4. Sitting on a terrazza in the shade with friends, beer and tapas.
5. Barbeques.
6. Eating fish on the balcony at the end of the day and listening to the children playing in the pool below.
7. Ice cream!
8. Fans that spray water out with the air (I’m sure these have a proper name, but I don’t know it.)
9. My gorgeous sun hat that I was given this year!
10. Water fights!
Posted by thepinkrachael | July 8, 2011, 2:34 pmThat is an excellent list! I would love, love, love to go to Spain!! I Thank you for reading!!
Posted by Rachel | July 8, 2011, 2:45 pmThat picture of the baby with the watermelon literally made me laugh out loud…great article!!
Posted by Biscuits for Breakfast | July 8, 2011, 2:32 pmTexas summers hold a special place in my heart…I grew up in a small town in central TX and now I live in Austin; I don’t think I can ever leave this awesome state. My favorite memories include playing in the sprinklers, making a slip ‘n slide in our yard with a big sheet of plastic, kool-aid popsicles, grilling burgers and running around with sparklers on the 4th. I love Texas…great post!
Posted by britneyanne | July 8, 2011, 2:01 pmAh I love sparklers too, my brother and boyfriend make fun of me because *technicallY* the’re not fireworks, but they’re still my favorite! I’m glad you liked it, thank you for stopping by, happy summer!
Posted by Rachel | July 8, 2011, 2:46 pmIt’s winter here and your list has given me reason to live through it for summer!!
awesome!! congratulations on FP
Posted by Tinkertoot | July 8, 2011, 1:01 pmYou can make it!! Thanks so much for reading!!
Posted by Rachel | July 8, 2011, 2:46 pmCongrats on being freshly pressed! Love your post!
Posted by 1cath | July 8, 2011, 12:34 pmLove this! Hate the heat, though….
Posted by Dan Bain | July 8, 2011, 11:50 amI know what you mean about smells. I too love the smell of fresh cut grass, but it’s the smell of my Mom’s tanning oil that really makes me realize summer is here. Of course everyone connects coconuts to tropical islands and constant summer, that tanning oil is the only time I can stand anything to do with coconuts. Also sunscreen, I’ve realized I actually really like the smell of sunscreen. Of course, I had to think of it a little because in Canada we use Celsius (so 104=40). I remember one June when I was little it was so hot that at school in gym class we just lied down on the gym floor with the lights out. And my Mom came to take me swimming at my neighbour’s before taking me back to school in nothing but my bathing suit and a really long t-shirt that was more like a dress. I was still a little wet even! I was 7 or 8 I think. Those were the good old days.
Nice post, I enjoyed it.
Posted by hollyjb | July 8, 2011, 11:47 amBeing a New York transplant in georgia, I always cursed the summer, but you’re right, there’s a lot to be excited about! Great post!
Posted by Sister Earth Organics | July 8, 2011, 11:05 amThanks! I’m glad you liked it- I’ve never been to Georgia, but I’m sure theres lots of great things about the summer there!
Posted by Rachel | July 8, 2011, 2:47 pmI saw the headline of your post and my immediate reaction was, “Well, one good thing about it being 104 is that it isn’t yet 113!” (that’s what it was a week back or so in Delhi, India, where I live). Congratulations on being freshly-pressed, and I agree whole-heartedly with the watermelon and lemonade recommendations. I love them too – and here in India, this is when you get absolutely glorious mangoes. The juiciest, most beautifully perfumed mangoes, ever.
Posted by dustedoff | July 8, 2011, 9:41 amIm from Manila and I remember as a kid, I’d watch American tv shows/movies with kids selling lemonade and I’d get all envious because I also wanted to do it here! too bad lemons are too expensive in the Philippines. :p Good thing we have other fruits that can compensate especially during summer. 🙂
Posted by Iya Santos | July 8, 2011, 7:09 amVery nice list but I’ll never appreciate southern heat 😛
Posted by Queen of Zoom | July 8, 2011, 4:54 amHaha heat like that’s not really an acquired taste, I think you just have to be born here. Thank you for reading!
Posted by Rachel | July 8, 2011, 2:48 pmGreat excuse to feast on ice cream too 🙂
Posted by 7des7iny | July 8, 2011, 4:12 amI wish I can love summer as much as you can, but summer’s something I’ve never learned to love despite the fact that in where I am right now, summer happens all year round. It’s hot every single day that Christmastime might be our only consolation (since it’s a little cooler than usual). Worse, there are no lemonade stands around. Sad.
Posted by Cherszy | July 8, 2011, 3:57 amWe’re in a similar spin in Kansas, and I love how you turn this toward how it can be a good thing! I’m in total agreement.
Posted by Individual Poet (see below) | July 8, 2011, 3:57 amYuck! 104 degrees outside? That’s when I start to gasp like a fish when I step outside. Be sure to beat the heat any way you can!
Posted by sarahnsh | July 8, 2011, 3:41 amWow… that’s HOT. But I like the fireflies, the lemonade, and fireworks! I believe all those make your summer beautiful.
Posted by batikmania | July 8, 2011, 3:04 amI live in New York City, and my boyfriend lives in Texas. Texas has us beat with humidity, but NYC gets JUST as hot. Summer can be so glorious though when you find the good in it (as you have done :))
Posted by The Food and Love Diaries | July 8, 2011, 2:55 amLove it! How about daylight that stretches to 10pm?
Posted by pithypants | July 8, 2011, 2:01 am1. lemonade stands
2. air-conditioners
3. fans
4.frothy, cold, non-alcoholic drinks
5. swimming
6. cool, cute out fits
7. mowing the lawn can wait
8. “let’s go out to eat” some where air-conidtioned
9. the salad bar at the grocery store
10. air-conditioned movie theaters
Posted by jessicaber | July 8, 2011, 1:46 amI live on the other side of the world from you and it’s also swelteringly hot here, but how come summer sounds and smells so much more gorgeous where you are?? 🙂
Posted by nicthegeek | July 8, 2011, 1:35 am🙂
Posted by yingyingxue | July 8, 2011, 12:40 amit’s odd…everything on your list is very familiar to us Iowa folk…we too see 104 degree summers and learn to enjoy the locusts and watermelon and everything else. the crappy part is that we also endure winters that include feet of ice and snow, blistering cold temps below zero, and blustering winds that wipe out a snow man in an instant. i much prefer the summer.
Posted by Eva McCane | July 8, 2011, 12:35 amThis list is pretty universal all around the country. I live in Hawaii so we are pretty lucky that we get to enjoy the summer time weather all year round. I love the 4th of July, too bad it’s over now.
Posted by rach | July 8, 2011, 12:31 amI live in New York (not the city. The middle of nowhere, actually) and it’s been in the nineties for the past four days. It’s nowhere near one hundred and four degrees, but it’s still hot. I love it. The best part is being able to run in it and feel the sweat trickle down the front of my face. *laughs* Okay, so my point is, is that even though I live nowhere near Texas I still completely understand the awesome things of hot weather. I especially love the fireflies. I have so many out where I live and a friend of mine caught one and we stared at it for a few minutes before it flew away. We don’t have any lemonade stands anywhere, either, but my brother and I (he’s eleven and I’m seven years older) have always dreamed of having one. It’s kind of hard, though, when there aren’t any people around to buy our lemonade. Anyway, I think you really hit the nail on the head. Nice post. =)
Posted by faithwithers | July 8, 2011, 12:29 amThank you so much for the nice comment! I’m glad you enjoyed it and it was relatable even up in New York!
Posted by Rachel | July 8, 2011, 12:34 amOoo, I love fireflies! Amazing stuff 🙂
Posted by cookiesrainandlove | July 8, 2011, 12:19 amI can relate to all of these, even living up in New England. I’ll never forget trying to cool off in my pool on a 102 degree 4th of July, the water temperature up at 80 degrees. But in spite of that, it’s always the laughing and bbqing, kids outside biking or selling lemonade, all the gorgeous smells of fresh cut grass and everything else that makes the summer the best time of the year.
Posted by Renee | July 8, 2011, 12:05 amI’m in Texas too and you nailed it!!!! It’s the locusts that really mean summer to me. I love sitting on the front porch listening to them. Oh! and June bugs. They are all over the place.
It’s sad though because your right, I haven’t seen a lightning bug in a long time.
Posted by Jen | July 7, 2011, 11:48 pmJune bugs scare me haha….and I miss the lightning bugs too 😦
Thanks for reading!!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 11:58 pmI love summer. I live in Chicago and people bitch about the heat. Then, 3 months later when it’s 10 out, they bitch about the cold. Give me 95 with a ton of humidity over -2 with a 20-below windchill any day of the week! I’ll complain about the winters all day, but you’ll never hear me complain about the heat.
Hey, I’m starting a blog of my own…”Random Ruminations” where I talk about weather, music, news, sports, whatever. Just whatever pops in this noggin of mine. There’s only one post there now…meh…but surely more to come. http://randrumins.wordpress.com. Cheers!
Posted by ChiGuy22 | July 7, 2011, 11:35 pmMy husband was in Texas, once. All he ever remembers is the hot hot hot days and how big it is. This is a great way of looking at Texas and your 104 degrees.
Nice post ….
Congrats ……. on FP
Isadora
Posted by Inside the Mind of Isadora | July 7, 2011, 11:03 pmGreat post! These are all of the things I adore about living in the south that northerners just don’t understand! 🙂 “Long days are long, summer dress days, days when you feel like letting your hair down, days that melt into night without you hardly noticing.” So true! ❤
Posted by Melissa | July 7, 2011, 10:57 pmhahaha glad to know that the joys of 100+ degree weather are being appreciated in other parts of the country. Lovin it here in Sacramento for a lot of the same reasons! happy summer! 😀
Posted by andrewcota | July 7, 2011, 10:40 pmI have been complaining about the heat and humidity in Singapore, but when I converted 104 F to celcious I was shocked…..40 degrees!! yikes. and you’re waiting for it to go down to 90/32 degrees to go out? That makes me grateful that the temp here at the very highest is 36 degrees celcious….but i will still complain that the humidity is a killer 😉
Loved this post that made me want to go out and slice up some watermelons and have them with feta cheese as a salad as well has squeeze up some limes for good old sweet asian lime juice 🙂
Posted by bookjunkie | July 7, 2011, 10:19 pmYou captured the spirit of sumer perfectly. Now if only I was there to experience it! Here in Japan they don’t have grass, front yards, lemonade stands, cheap watermelons, or anything! *sigh* Let me move in with you!!!
Posted by Maxim | July 7, 2011, 10:14 pmI’ve never been in Texas before so I can only wonder what 104 degree weather feels like. Must feel like you’re getting scorched!! Where I live, the temperature rarely gets past 97-98 degrees but it gets really humid so to me, it feels like it is actually hotter than it is.
But mostly everything you’ve listed are things that people in Virginia do as well. A couple of years ago, we had Magicicada (17 year Cicada) show up and they were just absolutely everywhere. I’ve never seen so many of them before and probably won’t until the next time they show up.
Am I one of the few people on the planet who just doesn’t like watermelon?? I just don’t like the way it tastes. It’s a shame I don’t like it and I envy everyone who loves it.
Posted by limitlessxskies | July 7, 2011, 9:55 pmGlobal Warming isn’t one of those things.
Posted by scandalousmuffin | July 7, 2011, 9:44 pmAh. The great Texas outdoors. You got to love the sprinklers! I’ve been a Texan my whole life, so I have some great memories of the sprinklers. So nice!
Posted by ŠєℓєηєMσσηšhîηє | July 7, 2011, 9:14 pmSprinklers are especially wonderful when placed under a trampoline…honestly, I’d take that over my tepid swimming pool right now!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 9:25 pmYour post makes me love summer all the more. Bring on the heat.
Posted by harpersfarm | July 7, 2011, 9:06 pmI’m from California, but I currently live in South Texas and *dread* summers here. I can take dry heat, but the Texas humidity is miserable.
Posted by writerswhimsy | July 7, 2011, 9:03 pmI really enjoyed reading this; it reminds me of Central Valley in California. Having said that . . . what part of Texas are you talking about? ; )
Posted by Yesenia | July 7, 2011, 8:58 pmI’m from Dallas, and it is hotter than sin here today. Wish the pool was cool! Thanks for reading!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 9:16 pmLove this! I get a little depressed when I read others’ blogs about how wonderful Sumemrtime is, days at the beach and all, and I’m thinking…you go outside in the Summertime?! Thanks for reminding us about all the great things about Summer in Texas!
Posted by thegentlehome | July 7, 2011, 8:27 pmPsh, we don’t need the beach! That’s what vacation is for! We’ve got the Frio River, Port A and our humble sprinklers! I’m glad you liked it, thank you for reading! Happy summer 🙂
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 9:21 pmThis was a sweet post. Now you are the voice in the dark.
The thought of lemonade costing 25 cents – that really made me laugh. Something makes me really want to be that baby with the watermelon anchoring it down! The only escape is to eat your way out!!!
Posted by yogibootcamp | July 7, 2011, 8:24 pmHi Rachel,
I really enjoyed reading your post about Texas summer(s): so very observant personal remarks and reminiscences. I enjoy the cicadas, too, even if they can make quite a racket. And yes, watermelons are really refreshing. But, coming in from work outside – which I do inspite of the heat – I enjoy a drink I have brought over from my native Germany, “Apfelschorle”: a mix of about 1/4 to 1/3 of apple juice with 2/3 to 3/4 of sparkling mineral water. That not only quenches your thirst, but also replenishes lost minerals – plus it tastes good. Re water: since we’re not far from the Gulf Coast here, we like to go there [Port Aransas for us]. That kind of water is also enjoyable, especially as, with recent drought conditions and watering restrictions, there’s not much smell of fresh water in the garden.
Best regards,
Pit
http://pitstexasexpatblog.wordpress.com/
Posted by Pit | July 7, 2011, 8:16 pmThanks for the encouraging list about this miserable weather!
Posted by erink512 | July 7, 2011, 8:11 pmIt’s up on my personal facebook and my critters and crayons blog fb page- I try to turn the negative around, too- It can be easy for moms and families to get down on where we live in this Souh Texas border city- So, your post on the weather- it’s just perfect and right up our alley. Thanks!
Posted by critters and crayons | July 7, 2011, 7:36 pmWell I’m so glad you we’re able to re-post it! I hope it cheers everyone up!!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 7:38 pmWatermelon and lemonade stands, most definitely, it is all about the fruit… I haven’t heard about lemonade stands lately, but I’m assuming their shutting down kid’s lemonades stands somewhere? That is outrageous.
Lakes and “good old hose water” too, is so much better than the chlorine! I need to start staying out later. I remember falling asleep to grown-up conversations as a kid too! Made for interesting dreams.
Posted by Feather Story | July 7, 2011, 7:32 pmYep, lemonade stands and bake sales are under seige for some reason. Crazy. I’m glad you liked it, thanks for reading!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 7:37 pmWe’re in Laredo- I love your positive spin on the weather- I might have to blog about your blog. 🙂 Thanks!
Posted by critters and crayons | July 7, 2011, 7:31 pmWatermelon and lemonade stands, most definitely, it is all about the fruit… lakes and “good old hose water” too, is so much better than the chlorine! I need to start staying out later. I remember falling asleep to grown-up conversations as a kid too! Made for interesting dreams.
Posted by Feather Story | July 7, 2011, 7:30 pmI just moved to the South a month ago from the Northwest. I am learning how the heat and sun is very different from what I am used to. Thank you for telling me the pluses of warm weather.
Posted by molly98 | July 7, 2011, 7:21 pmThis was an awesome read! I miss the lightning bugs!!!
Posted by theothercoworker | July 7, 2011, 6:43 pmIn regards to #10. I was so dorky after the 4th of July I would go out into the neighborhood picking up shot off fireworks. I thought they were the coolest thing. Who collects used fireworks really? At the time I thought it was wonderful. Anyway, that (fireworks) and the fireflies are summer to me. Thanks for reminding me.
Posted by Order of Sort | July 7, 2011, 6:30 pmI’m from England and I HATE the British summer! Saying that, it’s so humid here that it feels a lot hotter than it is… Dry heat isn’t half as bad!
Just wanted to say that I love the fireflies picture… I’ve never seen them and it’s nice to see that they do exist, and aren’t just something from my childhood books.
Posted by Sara | July 7, 2011, 6:26 pmGood Lord, I hate heat, and I grew up in Texas! I read your blog as a challenge — as in, “Right, 10 reasons to like the heat – NOT.” But you made me feel nostalgic about it all the same. Good writing. Right this minute I half wish I were back in Austin in the summer . . . but my sane half prevails and I’m not! 😉
Posted by Julee Celeste | July 7, 2011, 6:20 pmAs much as I hate the heat of summer, I love aquatic activities.
Posted by photohand | July 7, 2011, 6:01 pmI looooove this article – it totally embodies the essence of what I’m trying to capture through my blog. I have a question… do you have the thicker, broad-leaf grass, or the “normal” kind? I’m moving to Florida soon, and they have the thick grass. I’m going to miss the “normal” grass, the kind that you can roll around in without getting injured /:
Posted by gonewiththesummer | July 7, 2011, 5:50 pmMost everyone here has that broad-blade grass in their yards. It’s dense, but not sharp or rough or anything. Completely safe for bare feet 🙂 I’m glad you liked it, I’ll have to check out your blog! Thank you for reading!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 6:02 pmLove, love, LOVE this post. Just wonderful. I’m eating watermelon with my son right now.
Posted by Kristi | July 7, 2011, 5:48 pmHaha I brought some to work for lunch today, I think I ate my weight in watermelon when I was little. My parents would cut a piece, take off my clothes and set me loose in the backyard. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post! Happy summer!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 5:51 pmI absolutely love this! It draws up so many wonderful images and memories of Summer and is so well-written! Great job! =)
Posted by murphyod | July 7, 2011, 5:42 pmThank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment! I’m glad you enjoyed it, happy summer!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 5:49 pmawwh I love the style of your blog and the way you write, plus the pictures are super adorable! check out my blog? I’m new to this 🙂
princessjasminereviews.wordpress.com
Posted by princessjtg | July 7, 2011, 5:37 pmHi! Thank you so much for leaving such a sweet comment, I’m really glad you enjoy it! I’ll definitely check out your blog, I’m pretty new too, just learning as I go!!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 5:40 pmEnjoyed your post, congrats on being FP! 🙂
Posted by Harold | July 7, 2011, 5:34 pmThe baby face first in the watermelon…precious!
Posted by Mrs.Idiot | July 7, 2011, 5:20 pmI’m from Arizona, so I can relate…you really learn to appreciate those things when it gets hot!
Posted by analyfe | July 7, 2011, 5:20 pmSummer in Texas is great. I’ve lived here for as long as my teenage life has run so far, and I don’t find the heat hellish at all. I step outside and think “warm,” not “blazing.” I prefer this weather and despise the evil winter we had with so much snow… 106 degrees, and yesterday I was out working like a dog mowing my Grandma’s overgrown grass. The thing I love most about Texas summer is the tan you get working outside and going to the pool!
Posted by dat6 | July 7, 2011, 5:17 pmAh, I love the heat. My family thinks I’m a nut, but the hotter the better.
Posted by katblogger | July 7, 2011, 5:09 pmGaah, I’m from the Midwest and not a fan of summer heat. Especially since here it comes with steam-bath humidity. I do like the cicadas, fireflies, long days, and lemonade stands, though. (The “cicada locusts” aren’t the same critter as the “Exodus locusts,” which were more like grasshoppers, I think. And in Chicago they get really loud some time in August, so I always associate them with late summer–do they do that in Texas or are they loud all along?)
Posted by R.A. Stewart | July 7, 2011, 5:02 pmThey usually start in late June here, so it’s definitely a “high summer” phenomenon. Thank you for reading!!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 5:18 pmLovely post – but it’s making me very homesick! 🙂 Somehow we’ve found ourselves in a hotter climate (in Dubai it was 106 in May!) and I actually miss Texas summers for all the reasons you stated and more. Thanks for bringing me a litle slice of home and congrats on being Freshly Pressed! 🙂
Posted by longhornsandcamels | July 7, 2011, 4:56 pm😦 I’m sorry you’re homesick, but I’m glad that I was able to bring you a little piece of Texas today! Thank you for your sweet comment!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 5:05 pmI love this. So many of the things you write speak to my summer-lovin’ soul. 🙂
Posted by theangelahollis | July 7, 2011, 4:55 pmWhat a gorgeous post! I’ve never been to Texas, much less lived there, but this takes me right there. ❤ Thank you!
Posted by ophelia, darling. | July 7, 2011, 4:50 pmThank you for your nice comment! Even considering the heat itrealy is a great place, if you ever get a chance you should visit!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 5:08 pmThis was cute! It was 109 degrees here in Southern Oklahome yesterday. I love summer time because I don’t have to wear makeup. My face is tanner and the dark circles disappear so I enjoy my bare face and not the icky goop melting off because of the heat 🙂
Posted by hudsonfive | July 7, 2011, 4:34 pmI forgot that one!! I do that too…waterproof mascara and I’m done. I don’t know if my face gets “tan” or if my freckles just blend together, but either way the dark circle issue is eliminated haha. Try to stay cool!!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 4:39 pmI’m near Houston and it gets unbearably hot and humid here. I feel your pain with the heat but I love the list! Especially the smell of fresh cut grass 🙂
Posted by Paradoxed Shadow | July 7, 2011, 4:32 pmGreat ode to summer! I’ll keep these tips in mind as we head into a mini northern heat wave (low 90s) this weekened.
Posted by pezcita | July 7, 2011, 4:32 pmLet’s see, 104 Fahrenheit is fever temperature – that’s 40 Celsius. Crikey!
Posted by thenakedlistener | July 7, 2011, 4:28 pmHere’s an idea for your chilled watermelons… vodka… seriously! what you do is take a syringe- and literally inject vodka into your watermelon… let it “marinate” for about a day in the fridge…refreshing and well… you won’t even notice the heat after that…lol..
Posted by I Made You A Mixtape | July 7, 2011, 4:25 pmDon’t give it to that baby, though!
Posted by R.A. Stewart | July 7, 2011, 4:56 pmHowdy. It is the same in Fresno, California and it was the same for the nearly two decades I lived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In the latter case, winter came to mean that the air conditioner was on minimal cool.
Posted by Julia Simpson-Urrutia | July 7, 2011, 4:23 pmI don’t mind the heat – here in Idaho it can get pretty warm in the summer, 90’s – 100’s as well – but I cannot bear humidity! We lived in Virginia for a year and a half (survived two summers) and I now understand when someone says to me “well, at least it’s a dry heat” which I used to think was a dumb statement! I loved, loved, loved the fireflies… we don’t have those out West … but I absolutely despised the cicadas. What a horrific noise they make! Guess it’s all in what you grew up with, huh? I agree tho, that summer is a good time!
Posted by mamanne | July 7, 2011, 4:07 pmThe “dry heat” is key….I suppose I’m lucky that my hair is stick-straight and wouldn’t curl if I stuck my keys in an electrical outlet. We’ve been hoping for rain, and when it finally did a little it just turned steamy outside. Humidity is the absolute worst.
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 4:31 pmAs someone who lives in Arizona (and yearns to live in Alaska), I can’t think of a single reason why any temperature over 100 is good. When I leave for work in the mornings it’s over 90 and that’s a relief compared to the rest of the day.
Posted by inurbase | July 7, 2011, 4:02 pmGreat post! I live in California, but I’ve been in Texas when it’s as hot as you describe. I’ll think twice before complaining the next time our temps are in the 90s. Thanks for reminding me why summer is so much fun in spite of the heat! 🙂
Posted by Kismet Happens | July 7, 2011, 3:50 pmHi from a neighbor to the North, all the way up in Little Rock. Great post. Summers in the South can be excruciating. It’s the heat AND the humidity here. Hope you guys get a cool spell. The high here today is 92, practically spring!
Posted by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide | July 7, 2011, 3:47 pmWhew, a cool 92! Haha what I wouldn’t give for a cold spell like that! Thank you for stoppnig by!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:54 pmAll of those things you listed are all perfect pieces of Summer. When I was a kid, I used to love catching fireflies, too. I’ve noticed that there are much less now but I still can’t help but run after them when I see them. I have a soft spot for them!
Posted by Kristen | July 7, 2011, 3:46 pmLike cotton candy, fireworks and ice cream trucks, I think fireflies are one of those things that just turn you into a kid again.
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:56 pmThis was a GREAT post! Everything you’ve said is so true and it brought back memories for me too! Thank you! 😀
Posted by gretaalison | July 7, 2011, 3:42 pmI sure enjoyed reading your blog today…You nailed as to the Southern summers…I’m Southern transplant living in California now, but my heart still beats Southern…Have a great day….
ps. My blog is dorothycunningham.wordpress.com/. Stop by when you get a chance!
Dorothy
Posted by dorothycunningham | July 7, 2011, 3:35 pmI’m so glad you enjoyed it, and once a Southerner always a Southerner at heart. And I will definitely check out your blog!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:42 pmLOVED this post, I’m from the South (but sadly am living in the midwest) and this reminded me of all the reason I love summer so much! Southern Summers are by far the best! 🙂
Posted by polarbearscooby | July 7, 2011, 3:29 pmYour blog made me smile so big. I was raised and still live in California but all the things you said about summer in Texas can be applied about summer in California, minus the fireflies and cicadas.
Thank you for making me smile this morning. I love summer. It’s my favorite season! Happy Summer!
Posted by writingjen | July 7, 2011, 3:29 pmI’m so glad I made you smile! Your sweet comment made me smile, and reminded me why I write in the first place. Thank you!!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:37 pmAgreed 100%! I love the summers here! Congrats on getting Freshly Pressed!
~Kristi
Posted by anestinthemaking | July 7, 2011, 3:28 pmI live in Florida and can relate to 104 degrees. However, I would still prefer dealing with my long summer in Florida than the long winter I used to with n Canada. My blood has completely thinned out.
Posted by habituallearner | July 7, 2011, 3:14 pmCanada to Florida is quite the change! I always say that I “love” the cold, but the cold we get in Texas isn’t exactly arctic haha
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:19 pmLemonade stands and summer grilling rock! 🙂
We get to enjoy 2 maybe 3 months of summer where I live in Canada…I ‘m starting to wonder if I prefer to have -25C cold or 35C heat….hmmm?
Congrats on making FP (again)! 😀
Posted by Things You Realize After You Get Married | July 7, 2011, 3:11 pmThank you! I’ve been dying to go to Canada, but I don’t know if I should visit in the summer or winter…I can’t wait to visit though!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:21 pmVisit anytime of the here EXCLUDING Jan and Feb…it’s way too cold and dreary here during those two months!…Thank God for Valentine’s Day…brightens things up a bit during the long winter! 😉
Posted by Things You Realize After You Get Married | July 7, 2011, 3:58 pmI lived in Texas. I endured the Texas summer. These reminders of summer’s sweetnes make me smile–especially the fireflies!
And congrats on Freshly Pressed!
Kathy
Posted by Kathryn McCullough | July 7, 2011, 3:09 pmYou really nailed the best parts of summer and not just a Southern summer.
Posted by Paprika Furstenburg | July 7, 2011, 3:04 pmI had to see your list — because I cannot imagine even one reason why 104 = good!
But good for you for seeing the ice-water-in-a-glass-half-full perspective. Best of luck beating the heat — I’d just be a puddle of mess in that temp.
😉
Posted by Mikalee Byerman | July 7, 2011, 3:01 pmhaha I’m almost a puddle, just hanging in there for the “cool” nights! Thanks for stopping by
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:04 pmIt has been so hot here in Dallas that I am actually seeing dead Cicadas!! Even they can’t stand the heat!! How are we supposed to train for a marathon when we can’t even walk outside!!
Posted by battleals | July 7, 2011, 2:58 pmHaha me too, I live in Dallas too! I don’t know if I’m just getting old(er) or what, but I don’t remember it ever being quite this hot!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:25 pmSeriously! I’m not quite marathon material (yet) but I’m having to run before the sun comes up if I’m going to. And we have dead cicadas here in Fort Worth too!
~Kristi
Posted by anestinthemaking | July 7, 2011, 3:32 pmAs a Houston-born and partially bred Texan turned Marylander, I have so many fond memories of growing up in the Texas heat. Where else can you fry eggs on the sidewalk?
Posted by SimpleP | July 7, 2011, 10:56 amIf you can’t fry one outside here it just can’t be done!
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:07 pmAs being from TX, I know exactly how the hot weather is. That watermelon looks great and so does the BBQ. I love BBQ. This was a great post. :0)
Posted by jsh0608 | July 6, 2011, 11:15 pmEnjoy every last tenth of a degree of that 104. I’m a displaced Texan and can barely keep my eyes from rolling when a local starts in about “hot.” Pfft. Ain’t no hot like Texas hot, so wear it proud.
Posted by Queen Linda | July 6, 2011, 7:10 pmOh, I do! When the temperature drops below 60, though, I’m reduced to a shivering wimp haha
Posted by Rachel | July 7, 2011, 3:08 pm