Keeping Cool

While nothing like a great part of the U.S. is experiencing, lately our temperatures are nearing or at 90F/32C. Keeping Opal cool rules our lives.

As a smooth collie, Opal has a double-coat. That means she has a soft, dense undercoat that insulates her body, and a rougher coat that covers it. It’s the undercoat that sheds. In the winter, Opal would lay on the snow with no care in the world.

During the summer, her needs are the same as any dog in a hot environment. We walk her in the early morning before it gets too hot. In the backyard, we provide her lots of drinking water and shade. She loves the sun and usually refuses the shade. That means Opal stays outside for a timed 3-5 minutes at a time.

We brought out Walker-girl’s toddler pool that we had saved, thinking Opal would like it too. Walker loved the little pool! Opal looked at the pool as if it was a special bath tub to be avoided. She ended up using it as a big drinking trough.

Since Opal gets very excited when we use the backyard hose, we thought she might like one of these pools that inflates with water and provides a sprinkler.

We’ve tried everything. Running through the sprinkler ourselves, throwing her favorite toys in, sitting in it. She won’t go in this pool either, unless it’s mostly water-free. She will drink from the sprinkler and the pool itself. And she never leaves a treat behind. We remain hopeful she’ll use it to cool off. Eventually.

Summer in Santa Fe

Santa Fe can feel kind of sleepy early in the year, but in summer it’s busy, busy, busy with tourists everywhere. There are two local traditions that frame the summer. Actually, three local traditions because June brings Pride Week and the Parade. “Local” because these events bring out the people who live here.

“Pancakes on the Plaza” takes place on July 4th. The pancakes aren’t great and if you’re too late, the fake maple syrup may be gone, but the bacon ain’t too bad. It’s an opportunity to mix and mingle locals and out-of-towners, eating and communing. It’s not unusual to see the Governor making and serving pancakes. Or to meet others vying for office. There are arts and crafts for sale, and a vintage car show. More importantly, your pancake ticket supports local kids’ services. Bagpipes will be played. Next year will be the 50th anniversary. Everyone should go at least once!

The summer ends with the Santa Fe de Fiesta and the Burning of Zozobra. The Fiesta is over 300 years old. The Burning barely over 100 years old. I’ll tell you more about them in August/September.

And in between there’s lots going on. Evening music on the Plaza. International Folk Art Festival. The Traditional Spanish Market. The Contemporary Hispanic Market. The Indian Market (my fav). Lots of art, music, and even the glorious Santa Fe Opera.

It’s also monsoon season which means thunderstorms in the afternoon. If we’re lucky. Drought and dry is the theme of New Mexico this year. There are two apps you need on your phone. One is a weather app to track lightning and storms. The other is Watch Duty, a free and accurate fire alert app. We have our “to-go” bags ready in case of evacuation. Opal has one too.

Summer Writing

Historically, my writing time has been sacrosanct. After finishing the last novel, I’ve tried to keep my door open rather than closed to be more present to my little family. Nothing is more important to me than they are. This change hasn’t hurt the writing. I think that’s because my writing muscle is in good shape. You show up and do the reps and the pages get done. To paraphrase my friend Michael, “Butt glue rules.”

Michael, too is writing a novel. The last few days he’s been sending me his daily word count. He is ahead of me by 4,181 words. That pisses me off a little bit. We have a commitment to have our first drafts ready by the start of November. We’ll exchange them to read then.

Meanwhile, I’m continuing to query and check-in on outstanding ones. People have said nice things but no one has been a taker as yet.

Stay kind, curious, and caring, friends. See you anon.—JD

• Currently drinking: Shui Jin Gui wuyi oolong from River and Lakes Tea

• Currently reading: The Keeper, by Tana French

• Currently using: Edison Huron, inked with my Platinum Mix Free “Olive Oil” recipe