Hot, hot, hot!

Wow, was it hot over the weekend. Temperatures hit the 90s in Columbus and sapped most of our energy. We were able to go out early (between 6:00 and 7:00 am) for walks and a run on Saturday and Sunday, but turned into zombies by mid-afternoon. We did get a few things accomplished in the mornings. One of which was garden clean up. I cut back bulbs while Matt edged most of the beds in the backyard. Goliath found various shady spots join us while we worked.


Our other big project was repairing/replacing our mailbox. The numbers kept falling off the post, so we needed to apply a fresh coat of paint. Matt determined that with the paint the actual box would look shabby, so we went out and purchased a new one to install. Unfortunately, we (meaning Matt) did all of this on Monday when the heat was unbearable. I tried to work on this project and was reminded that he "promised to take care of it by Memorial Day." To quote Matt yet again, "nothing like waiting until the last minute." But it is now done and we have a shiny new box.


We have had a few setbacks with which to contend. Our lovely redbud tree has died. We have only had it for about five years and it seemed just fine last summer, but this year it did not bloom and has produced no leaves. When we asked the landscaper that installed it, he told us that the main trunk had died and we could cut it down and allow the small new growth at the base of the trunk to grow and replace it. We would probably be well into retirement when it catches up to the current dead portion. So we decided to cut off the limbs that get in the way when we walk past it and wait for cooler weather to cut it down. One advantage is that the tree's trunk is only 3-4 inches in diameter, so we can saw it down, and it is not a major part of any landscape bed. It sits right next to the deck and we would often have to push limbs out of the way in order to get to the yard. It will be sad to see it go, but it is not the blue spruce or birch, so I am okay with the change. One change that I am not okay with is the fact that we need to get a new cooling system installed.


During a regular maintenance check up, we were told that there was a leak in the cooling line. This makes sense because every year, they need to recharge the coolant in the system. We had two options: keep putting a bandage on the gaping wound, or just replace the entire system. We thought we could get by without replacing anything, but then we practically melted this weekend and the decision was easily made to go into debt for the ability to survive the summer. We are getting some cold air from the system, so we are not going to suffer too long while we get quotes, but we need to get the new one installed before the real summer meltdown begins. We have been spending a lot of time downstairs and are grateful for the leather furniture. Also, I have been sleeping outside in Matt's tent and find that I get pretty cold during the night. Matt has stayed in the house since it hurts his back to sleep on the ground. We having been meaning to pick up an air mattress for him, and this is just the push we need. It has been fun to be outside at night. I seem to fall asleep much faster and wake up on my own around 5:00am with the help of the birds. Most importantly, I feel well rested and no aches or pains, which is very surprising. Since it is going to be horribly hot again today, I left the tent up on the deck for a smoother sleeping surface. I cannot seem to get Goliath interested in staying out with me. He is too much of a suburban pup and requires a king-sized bed for his evening rest.