Heating up

Come the middle of January, when our temperatures will surely be frigid, someone remind me of this week. We had heat wave warnings for most of the week; it was uncomfortable to be outdoors for very long, and even the nights didn't cool off that much.  Daytime high temperatures ranged from 30-37C  (86-99F).  Normally we don't have a lot of humidity but this weeks it's been quite high, especially early in the morning. Since my tolerance is -25C to 25C (-13F to 77F) so this has been a bit much for me.  

I did get out for a walk early on Tuesday morning.  I was away from the house for about an hour, and in that time the temperature increased by 5 degrees.  Yikes! It was going to be a scorcher and even the geese were sticking to the shade.

A bit of a rant here, I took care to walk around the birds to let them have their space.  Even when I stopped to take a photo, they stayed put.  The next walker wasn't as kind; she clapped her way through them so they all got up and moved out of her way.  I don't understand the need to frighten the birds.  Oh well, to each their own.

There was only one of the cormorants present.  I watched for a little while, it kept flapping its wings and holding its wings in this position.  Trying to catch a breeze to cool off, perhaps?

There isn't a whole lot of water left in the creek, but there were a few ducks feeding that day.

Usually I'm happy with the natural life I find on my walk, but not so much with this one.  Grasshoppers are not a fave of mine, they damage crops and are just plain icky when they jump at me.  

That afternoon I had another visitor in my yard.  I initially thought it was a foam toy, and pushed it with my foot, it moved and I jumped!

Here's looking at you...

I tried a Google search, and couldn't figure out what it was.  So I posted the photos on FB and my cousin's daughter immediately responded.  It is a sphinx moth caterpillar.  I wouldn't touch it; when my son arrived home, I asked him to pick it up and move it to a nearby plant where it may finish off its life cycle.  It's a pretty interesting looking caterpillar, don't you think? (Still creepy crawly though).

Best of all I had a little visitor on Wednesday.  D and Eli arrived shortly before 8 a.m. They left early because she did not want to drive in the heat of the day.  We took him to the park around 9, and after 20 minutes he was ready to return to G'ma's house.  

Where did Eli go?                                                          Why there he is!!!

We had a busy day indoors and although Eli was yawning, the little guy was still awake when they left for the airport at 10 p.m. D texted when they returned home and said they had a good drive, with very little traffic at that time of night.  J is here until the 25th, so I'll have another visit next week.  I am so grateful they live close to me, and are part of my bubble.  I know that several of my readers aren't able to have this contact with their adult children and grandchildren, and I can only imagine how difficult it would be. 

We had a brief break from the weather overnight Thursday into Friday, and even a little rain. After a few household chores, I had thought I might go for a walk, but the lazies overtook any good intentions and I spent my time watching television and reading blogs, and playing on my computer.  By the time noon came around the temperature was reaching 27C (81F) and I decided I'd stay put.  It only got more heated from there.  I spent the afternoon crocheting and watching old CFL games...even one that Saskatchewan lost. :(  In the evening, there was more hockey.

Saturday morning, I knew I needed to get up and move.  After a short conversation with D, I finished up my coffee and headed out the door.  I walked down to the pond, and then circled around the condo units to walk over to Walmart to pick up a few items. It was actually a longer walk than I normally take, but not nearly as picturesque once I was out of sight of the pond.

The pelicans and the cormorants were in their regular spot.

When I arrived home, I put away the few groceries, and went out to water the containers.  The lawn needed mowing and when I finished that task (less than 10 minutes) I sat out and read while I watered the lawn, and then the front flower bed.  By 10:30 I was back in the house as the temperature was rapidly climbing. At noon we've reached 31C (88F) with at least another few degrees to go.  You all know I'll spend the rest of the day indoors!

On that note, I'll sign off for the week.  Take care everyone and stay well!