© 2017 Michael
Swickard, Ph.D. For some of
our fellow residents here in New Mexico there has been surprise that the
daytime temperatures have suddenly been in the triple digits. And it is real
dry here, too.
The answer
is simple: New Mexico has been in a drought for 280 million years, come next
August so it should not come as a surprise, but it does for many of our
residents.
Newcomers
can be excused because they have not lived somewhere that the seatbelt buckle
in their car can be used as a branding iron if it was in the sun. And coins
left on the seat of the car will leave an impression if they are in the sun. People
bump their heads on the inside car roof when the pain travels from posterior to
head.
But these
last few days people have been talking incessantly about the triple digit heat
in New Mexico and other states. Entertainer George Burns was asked, “George,
how is your wife?” He answered, “Compared to what?” That’s the answer for the heat
wave.
Some say
wryly, “It’s a dry heat.” New Mexico is less noteworthy than Phoenix where 120
degrees is their fate. And that temperature in Phoenix doesn’t warrant more
than a passing notice by their news media. “We see here where a highway has
melted, details at six.”
What to do
here in New Mexico when it is broiling hot? We can prepare a couple pans of
cookies to bake on the dash of the car which has two values: you get cookies
and it functions as a car air freshener.
Obviously,
we should stay in a cool place and not be out mowing the lawn. Well, I say
obviously because some New Mexicans are out mowing the lawn in the heat and
with the sweat pouring off of them they ask, “Hot enough for ya?”
Mostly
what I have noticed these last few days is the look of surprise that somehow it
got this hot. It does pretty much every year but the last time was about one
year ago. We need to do something about that short-term memory loss, eh?
It is similar
to when the New Mexico winds start in March which they do start every March
around these parts. People look surprised that parts of Arizona are moving to
Texas by air over around and through us. It does so every year.
What to
do? Enjoy the scenic New Mexico vistas, even if they are hot. And enjoy the
taste of hot green chile. Not the garbage from New York City, but real New
Mexico Green Chile that announced its presence with authority.
Remember,
we are a friendly people so don’t be troubled that we wave hello in our car. We’re
just being friendly.
Likewise,
we are averse to anyone telling us how they did things back where they came
from. Just suggest whatever without mentioning back home. Especially, don’t
tell us how hot it is back home, you are here now.
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