Late June to mid-July is the hottest time of the year around these parts. Today it got to 44C ( 112F or something) which is too hot to do anything really. It’s certainly too hot to go out and there is covid19 matter too boot. It’s best to stay home. The pool isn’t helpful for the water is that of bathwater. Poor Harper. She is used to 2x day walks with the second one after dinner. Now it is too hot we have to wait until nightfall and sometimes not go at all.
To pass the time away Someone and I have learned a few card games. We are now playing whist and spades which are similar enough I have to remind myself which rules apply to the game at hand. We also got out Someone’s backgammon briefcase and I learned how to play. I am not generally good a games for I lack a head for strategy but I like to play. There is an exception: I am good at playing Sorry! We play a version where each player holds five cards from which to build moves.
This weekend we had a couple of fine chinwags brought to us by the good folks at zoom. Our gossips were fine fellows all well over four feet. I discovered a few of them lack proper masks viz. bereft of fashion. This will not do. To rescue them from dullness I made these:
Around these parts it is dreadful to out in last months styles so while I was at it I made me a mask using Escher fabric:
The fish side makes me look like a sushi chef while the gooses side does not.
This evening we prepare for our pending three day journey through hostile Texas and Oklahoma territories to drive to Michigan for Mother’s memorial service. It is hoped it won’t be so hot there – I would love to see a proper thunderstorm along the way!
I will have literally hours per day in the car to ponder proper posts so tune this week to see what happens.
30 comments
July 12, 2020 at 7:24 PM
Old Lurker
Given that you are so skilled at Sorry!, maybe it is time to alter your itinerary. Instead of turning back once your reach Michigan (land of perpetual ice and snow) you should continue northward and claim asylum there. I hear that Prince Edward Island is in dire need of psychiatric help.
July 12, 2020 at 8:23 PM
Urspo
I have often been asked/enticed to go to PEI as there is work there. It is sorely tempting to consider.
July 12, 2020 at 11:00 PM
Old Lurker
They enjoy an abundance of homegrown tomatoes there. Also potatoes.
July 12, 2020 at 8:00 PM
Parnassus
Arizona to Michigan is really a long drive. I used to go from Ohio to Connecticut, and that was bad enough, especially the long haul over Pennsylvania, which is bigger than you think. I hope that Someone is not the type of person who likes to avoid the scenic routes, and is frantic just to “make time.” We have typhoons, although, like you, no proper, end-of-the-world thunderstorms. Those seem to be a Midwest specialty.
–Jim
July 12, 2020 at 8:24 PM
Urspo
I did this once before when we moved from MI to AZ, done in 2005.
I think going back will be easier/wiser – Covid19 matters aside.
It may make a good blog reflection.
July 12, 2020 at 8:19 PM
anne marie in philly
lovely masks, esp the escher fabrics.
July 12, 2020 at 8:25 PM
Urspo
thank you
July 12, 2020 at 8:42 PM
jenn
I particularly like the fish / goose masks. PEI is a lovely little province. You would like it there. -Jenn
July 13, 2020 at 7:13 AM
Urspo
Yes I think I would. I have some Canadian blood which tends to bubble at the notion of being a proper Canuck
July 12, 2020 at 8:44 PM
JanF
Fantastic masks. I wish you a good road trip but – my word, any chance to live and work in PEI!!! I have been there twice and would have loved to stay.
It’s really a special place.
However, right now, your heart is with your birth family and honoring Mama. I bet she was super proud of all her boys.
July 13, 2020 at 7:13 AM
Urspo
She had a very fortunate life really – I say this without bias. Nearly 70 years marriage, happy children and grandchildren etc.
July 12, 2020 at 8:52 PM
Linda Practical Parsimony
We traveled once from the western part of Texas to Memphis, and I thought we would never get out of Texas. We had a very good ac in the car, thankfully.
July 13, 2020 at 7:14 AM
Urspo
I did this the other way around viz. MI to AZ back in 2005. What I remember about TX was its monotonous flatness. I am curious to see if this will be similar
July 12, 2020 at 9:41 PM
Debra She Who Seeks
Have a safe journey. Bathe yourself in hand sanitizer every step of the way.
July 13, 2020 at 7:15 AM
Urspo
We have lots of stuff for proper sanitary interactions.
OK and TX tend to be conservative which nowadays translates into rejection of science and ‘no masks’ etc. Perhaps we will be the only ones wearing masks.
July 13, 2020 at 3:24 AM
Moving with Mitchell
Of course, these are the classiest masks I’ve seen. I love every single one!
July 13, 2020 at 7:16 AM
Urspo
I’ve often wonders what to do with the bags of fabric scraps; I am glad to put them to use making something useful
July 13, 2020 at 3:53 AM
David Godfrey
Stay cool, stay safe. Enjoy the drive. You can compose on the I-Pad while someone drives.
July 13, 2020 at 7:17 AM
Urspo
Someone usually drives as he gets bored in the passenger seat. In contrast I have plenty of activities to do/I am never bored. It works well.
July 13, 2020 at 4:28 AM
Lori
Great job on the masks. Last week here in southern Illinois it was 95 with a heat index of 105. Not fun. It’s been cooler the last few days. I look forward to hearing your road trip adventures. Stay safe.
July 13, 2020 at 7:17 AM
Urspo
95 sounds quite nice really. I am curious to feel the drop in temperature as we move out of the Valley and towards the Midwest.
July 13, 2020 at 4:39 AM
Todd Gunther
Very nice masks. Have a safe trip!
July 13, 2020 at 7:17 AM
Urspo
Thankyou my friend
July 13, 2020 at 5:31 AM
Sluggy
Have an enjoyable trip through the fly-over places and send mother off in style in MI.
I just saw you have a Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix! How interesting. I hope to be in Phoenix next Winter if the world doesn’t blow up my plans.
Safe driving or co-piloting depending on if Someone does all the driving. 😉
July 13, 2020 at 7:18 AM
Urspo
We live one mile from the MIM. It is a splendid place to visit and have concerts. I think all the concerts are shut for now.
July 13, 2020 at 5:44 AM
Bob Slatten
Your masks are amazing. i love the prints.
Carlos and I have been Backgammoning–not a word, but I’m going to use it anyway–quite a bit ourselves. It does pass the time and keeps us indoors on these hot and sticky–and not in a good way–days.
July 13, 2020 at 7:19 AM
Urspo
Do you know how to use the large dice with the 2 4 8 16 etc on it?
I cannot figure this one out yet; so we don’t use it.
July 13, 2020 at 10:07 AM
Bob Slatten
That one I do not, so we avoid it as well. I think it’s a trick ….
July 13, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Steven
Beautiful mask creations! May the A/C blow your way uninterrupted along the route to Michigan. I believe the midwest has gotten through the latest heat wave, but I heard more was on the way later this week. After getting pounded with rain in May, we’ve hit a dry spell as of late.
July 14, 2020 at 7:27 AM
Urspo
I sorely want to see/experience rain; as far as I care it can rain all week.