Takin' It Easy

So many days in a row of unbearable heat and humidity.  A few times I thought I could go outside and work in my yard but within 15 minutes of being out there, I was soaked and miserable and had to come back inside.  The yard, weeds and overgrown shrubs will have to wait to be pulled and trimmed.  In this weather, the only thing to do is take it easy.  I have been reading lots of books and blogs, rearranging my house, spending time with my family and watching movies.  The humidity zaps my energy and I feel wiped out if I try and push myself to get out and work in it for very long.

Some of my perennials; however, are loving it and they are putting on a show.  My Coneflowers and Daisies are blooming like crazy.

A Gerber Daisy that I planted 2 years ago came back again this year - prettier than ever.  This was such a surprise!  I have always used them in containers and thought of them as annuals,  but my neighbor has one she planted in her beds that has come back 4 years in a row so I decided to try it.  I think they are one of the most beautiful flowers -- the detail in the petals is amazing.  

A friend of mine I and will be going hiking at a nearby waterfall in the next couple of weeks.  That is the only hike I will do in this weather - one that rewards me at the end  with the mist of a cool waterfall!  

Paddling on one of our beautiful Tennessee Rivers is another favorite hot weather activity -- it is so refreshing and rejuvenating to float and play in the cool water.

   

And, of course, finding a swimming pool is a great way to beat the heat.

Grandgirl enjoying a pool day

How do you stay cool in this "heat dome" most of us are experiencing?  

Sending cool thoughts your way....