Wishing a belated happy Father’s Day, summer solstice, Pride Month, and Juneteenth to all. The month has flown by in a flurry of ‘day job duties’, staycation gardening, community service, and companion animal care. Our little Olivia is in rehab for a partially torn CCL (the doggie version of the ACL). She’s a timid girl and did not enjoy her first sessions with at Kaibab Rehab Nook. With several weeks of her therapist’s kind patience, she has made a new friend (photo attached)! Now for the news:
- Wildfire & Flood update: The monsoons have come calling to northern Arizona; thankfully gentle so far. There is much to be grateful for in terms of rain quenching the dusty earth here. Thank you to all who have expressed concern for those affected by the Pipeline Fires. It is now 90% contained. A devastating loss is that the Weatherford Canyon, an area known for a vast, dense aspen grove has burned. I’ve experienced many magical hikes in that grove. I will dearly miss it. The danger now that monsoons have arrived is flash flooding on the burn scar. Half an inch of rain in an hour can cause life-threatening flash floods. Here in the west there is an increased potential for flash floods. The National Weather Service reminds drivers to Turn Around – Don’t Drown and offers advice about what to do in the case of getting caught in flood waters.
- On the Blog: my latest blog post in the ABC’s for Living Well series, “O” is for Organization is now available on the website – Enjoy!
- Summertime Tips: These long, sunny summer days just beg us to get outside and have some fun. Here are a few ways to stay well while you enjoy the great outdoors!
- Dehydration can result in serious medical events and even death. Drinking plenty of water is just one strategy for avoiding dehydration. If you are not an avid water drinker, try adding a squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange, crushed mint leaves, or fresh cucumber slices to your glass.
- I love seeing butterflies, bumblebees, and honeybees in the garden! Here are great tips to avoid being stung and what to do if you are stung.
- Be aware that excessive heat can cause serious medical problems! This is a good resource to learn about how to prepare for and stay safe during extreme heat events.
- Watch out for those pesky, potentially disease carrying mosquitos! Did you know there are several ways to avoid those itchy bites? Learn about it here.
- If you are ready to hit the trail and do some hiking, the National Park Service has some good suggestions for staying safe and well.
- Pandemic tidbit: research and data for post covid conditions (of which there are over 200) is starting to emerge, as is a need for support. Also called “long covid” or “long hauler covid” conditions can range from annoying to debilitating. If you have had covid and recovered but have developed concerning health conditions weeks (or months) post infection, you can find information and support here.
- Movies that Move Us: This month’s choice is Steel Magnolias. This 1989 classic has an all-star cast. Billed as the funniest movie ever that will make you cry; it is a heart wrenching drama about a beauty shop in Louisiana. These southern women share love, secrets, tragedy, and laughter. Shelby (Julia Roberts) who is diabetic makes the dangerous choice to become pregnant, much to her mother’s (Sally Fields) dismay. This one is a classic. There was a remake in 2012 starring Queen Latifa as M’Lynn and Condola Rashad as Shelby.
- Quote of the month: In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explode, and every sunset is different. ~ John Steinbeck
May all beings be safe, well, happy, and content.