The Dangers Of Overheating

It sucks getting old.  I've never had to spend so much time contemplating WHY I don't feel like I did 20 years ago, or why I can't do the things I used to do.  

As we all know, I did NOT go by Wellton, which is why the feedlot never appeared.  I admit, I spent the entire time driving out of Quartzsite thinking the road was exactly the same as leaving Yuma.  So why would I think that?  I'm pretty sure I drove way too many miles in each day.  I was trying to beat the extreme heat that arrived yesterday.  Overnight low 81, high 104 to 108.  I admit, I was exhausted.

Add to that my lack of heat tolerance.  I never gave it that much thought until now.  Fifteen years ago I got a good case of heat exhaustion.  No biggie, I got over it, but my heat tolerance has gone down to zero.  Even though I drink at least eight bottles of water every day, I've let myself get overheated.  It's interesting how that affects your thought process.  No wonder people die in the desert.  The wasp sting that made my head hurt so bad that morning didn't help either.

At any rate, I'll be taking it easy for the entire week.  Oh wait ... I already broke that rule.  This $100 sprinkler that I had installed two years ago, broke.  It wasn't working at all.  I told Dan I would dig it up, if he could help me replace it.  This ground is so rocky and full of drip irrigation lines, I had to dig it out with a big spoon.  No kidding ... it took me some time. 

Rainbirds are SO much easier to adjust!  We staked it out and it's working great, but I have yet to fill in the hole.  Maybe today.  Why do I even bother with a lawn?  Although it doesn't look like it, there's quite a downward slope to the yard.  It would not be easy to build a deck or pour concrete.  No grass means more dirt and dust, so I'm trying to keep this little section alive.

After unloading the fridge and freezer from the RV, I quickly realized I had once again overheated myself. It's time to wise up and slow down.  Jon's perch (above his head) fell off, so I scrounged up two big washers and screwed it back to the cage.  He was a happy camper.  

Cooper got a haircut also, as I slugged down water bottle after water bottle.   No, I'm not so wasteful as to keep buying water, I wash and reuse the bottles several time before throwing them away.  He doesn't hold still very well, and obviously I'm not Picasso with the clippers, but he's much cooler now.  He's also happier since he finally got ONE ball back to play with.  He seems to be doing very well.

Next up, taking my quilting machine off the frame and loading it in the truck for a trip to the doctor.   It's making a terrible grating grinding noise and requires assistance.  I made the appointment for July, but they put MAY on the calendar.  BIG mistake.  We went round and round until they finally agreed if I brought it in, they would repair it and deliver it back to me.  Although I won't be dropping it off until later in the week, at least it's in the truck.

As for my paper wasp sting, it is finally changing color ... more pink than red, and it doesn't itch near as much.  It's weird though ... it has left my skin feeling bumpy and scaly.  Maybe I'm becoming WaspWoman!!  That just might come in handy!!

Now to figure out what is walking across my driveway all night long setting off the alarm.  Most everything around here is nocturnal, but hearing the alarm go off is unusual.  I'll be setting up the game camera out there to see who is visiting.