Keeping Your Cool When the Heat is On

There are more than a few differing schools of thought when it comes to dealing with heat.  

In Florida we like to think we are the experts, of course.  Just ask us. 

(But don't expect to hear any two answers the same.) 

For instance, there's dry-wicking shirts vs. the no-shirts-at-all approach.

Shirts and Skins

(I'm a Shirt.)

We try the latest clothing tricks and nourishment combinations.

We mix, we stir, we stew over how better to survive those extra hours without cramps or collapse.
 
And we hydrate.  A lot.  (Just ask any hasher.)
 
But what about keeping your cool in that other kind of heat?

The rude customer, the demanding boss?

Easier said than done. Even for the experienced, the professionals.

Let's just say you did everything right for years.

You bit your tongue.  You smiled.  You never once put Visine in some jerk's coffee or poured a coke in a pilots lap... 

But for every apology, for every cheek turned, for every moment you didn't blow up, day after day, year after year, surely you had a SECRET PLAN for when that inevitable straw landed upon your back?   

An escape plan - even a fantasy escape plan - is a way of hanging on, taking it on the chin just one more day.  Or at least until each and every passenger has deplaned.  

Maybe you promised yourself, "If this gets any worse, I'll just blow the hatch and slide outta here." 

Just the thought brings a smile.  

Feel better already, don't you?

Steven Slater.  28 years of keeping your cool.  Wow.  Well done.

I lasted five years, myself.

And it took five bikes.  

But darnit!  Taking along a couple beers for the slide...

Wish I'd thought of that! 

Guess that's why I'm not a legend. 

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2010/08/the-ballad-of-steven-slater/

Llama Rides and Mango Balm.

"Baby llamas love their mamas and they never wear pajamas."   Dr. Seuss

I think I loved that ABC Book more than the Chick did.  But "L" was her special letter and the Baby Llamas were her special little kindred spirits. And she, of course, was my special little kindred spirit.

So when Popeye came home from an early ride before work one morning saying there were two baby llamas on Tropical Trail, I just had to go see.

We are guessing they are actually alpacas, but whatever they are, these fuzzy little guys are a delight! And in their shady yard of mango trees heavy with fruit, their own little llama house, and a cool blue wading pool, they sure seem to have an idyllic life.

So, the Peacock Ride has become the Llama Ride, a quick fifteen mile out and back up Tropical Trail, for a gander at the fuzzy llamas, sans pajamas.

Check out all the green mangoes hanging in the foreground.

Turns out last week, my three morning Llama Rides were about right for adjusting saddle and aerobar positions to the new cranks Popeye installed on the Madone last weekend.  Longer (175's) than the ones that came on the bike (172's).  And well, easier, too.

OK, all right.  I bought compact cranks!  I'm officially "over the hill".  At least, I hope to be. With a little less effort.

There is much discussion around here of home remodel vs. tear down and build new.  The lot, we love.  The fifties Shoebox on it however, has been driving me crazy for 20 years, so you can imagine what my vote will be.

I do have one dream request - that I get to drive the bulldozer!

Meanwhile, the perfect balm for personal meltdowns...

Mango season! It seems late this year. We had a long winter, but the sheer beauty and volume of the crop is making up for that!

Scout and Pie Man have a tree...

And they are very generous!

This bowl topped off weighing about ten pounds when I got done "butchering" the first nine mangoes yesterday.

Now for the "balm".

Sunday night.  Been to the Econ.  Had my nap while the thunderboomers crashed overhead and went on their way.  Popeye's got the grill going.  I am sick of drawing and redrawing ideal kitchens.

I look up "mango daiquiri" and the first thing that pops up is one of my favorite food network stars whipping up a batch of frozen heaven in a glass. 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/inas-mango-daiquiri/video/index.html

Keep them stored in the freezer, "for a party, or for that personal emergency."

(Ina is such a wise woman. Her advice seems very sound.  I make extra.)   

Of course, I didn't realize how long you might have to wait to taste the FROZEN version. 

Since the baggies didn't sit long in the freezer before I just had to taste, it was more like cool mango rum pudding, but no less the perfect dock drink. 

(Sailor makes "boat drinks".  Around here, we make "dock drinks".)

So here's to the Econ, packed down perfection after a rain!

And here's to baby llamas,

and having a dock on which to drink.

And here's to cool rum pudding, wherever the mangoes may grow.   

The Shoebox may need improvement. 

But not this day.