It’s HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

Holy Humidity, Batman! It’s HOT here in New England! What makes it almost unbearable is the humidity along with the high temperatures, as well as big, thundering rainstorms almost daily. What’s a farmgirl to do?

It’s hard to believe we’re already well into August, and it has been unusually hot and very humid here. This month, it has felt like we are living in the rainforest instead of in New England! In fact, Southern New York and many parts of Connecticut (including where I am) are now considered a “sub-tropical” climate! My family and I were watching an old movie from 25 years ago, set in Boston, Massachusetts and Fairfield, Connecticut, during Halloween. Everyone was dressed in coats and boots, as it was cold. When my daughter was little, it wasn’t hot in October like it has been the last few years, and August brings more rain than we used to see this time of year. In the first seven days of August, we had heavy, long rainstorms bringing inches and inches of rain for five of those days! 

How hot is it? It’s so hot that the squirrels are “splooting” in the maple trees!

When it is in the high 80’s and 90’s with extreme humidity, we try to get chores, errands and day trips scheduled early in the day before it becomes unbearable. On a recent trip to our local zoo, just to get out a bit, even the animals were hot! 

Walking near the Connecticut shore finds temperatures a little bit more balmy than inland. 

On a clear day after several rainy ones, when my family was visiting, I was able to take an early hike at Bent-of-the-River with my cousin-in-law. It was so beautiful, in full summer bloom, but still very hot, so we were careful to go early and not stay too long out in the heat.

At home, we are still enjoying seeing the wildlife that visits our property. 

August means my garden is starting to really produce, and it’s time for the best-tasting tomatoes, ripening on the vines in the sun. 

It’s best to harvest your tomatoes early, before they are completely ripe on the vine. They will continue to ripen in the house, but will have less of a chance to crack in the heat and rain, get fungal issues, or have pests and birds snack on the fruit. 

Unfortunately, with extreme rain and heat, frustrating weeds such as crabgrass and invasive Japanese Stilt Grass flourish. I’m careful to pace myself and stop before it gets too warm, or jump in the pool to cool off once in a while while weeding. 

We are used to rain, but the thunderstorms we have been getting lately are wild! Our poor animals get scared. The other evening, the sky turned a weird color, and thunder started rolling constantly. We had to hold our smallest fur-babies tightly, our elderly cat Mittens and our wee pup, Trooper, to keep them calm. The thunder made the whole house shake, and the lightning was constant! We were so relieved when my husband made it safely home from work and inside the house!

With wet, hot weather we also see fungus pop up. Fungus can be gross (and toxic to pets), but is still really interesting. 

Parasola mushrooms pop up early in the morning after a rain, and then start to wither and decompose as the sun comes out and warms the ground. They are tiny and delicate, and look like little parasols for fairies! 

Slime molds occur on rotting wood and mulch.

We saw the tiniest little red mushrooms growing on an old split rail at Bent-of-the-River. 

Little puff-ball mushrooms are cute…

…while other wild fungus specimens are just plain ugly! We always watch our dogs closely when we take them out during “fungus season”.

While there are so many beautiful and fun places to go outside in New England, we also like to beat the heat with indoor fun! Connecticut has two big casinos, both operated by native american tribes. While my family isn’t really into gambling, there is so much to do at both, all year long.  Restaurants, concerts, shops, and conventions are just some of the fun. 

We look forward to the comic book convention, Terrificon, each summer. There, we always find wonderful, hand-drawn (NOT A.i) art by amazing artists, marvel at how detailed the cosplayers dress, and even get to meet celebrities. It’s always a great family day for us. 

Connecticut also has no shortage of great, delicious places to cool down with my favorite way to beat the heat – ice cream! From Ben and Jerry’s in the casino, to local dairy farms making the freshest, creamiest confections from their own cows, it is a the best way to cool off!

(Of course, the dogs might argue that a nap is the best way to spend a hot day).

It’s been a really hot summer all over the country (and Europe) this year. But the charm of New England is that just when we think we have had enough of one season, that’s when it changes. Until then, we will enjoy the rest of the season!

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of summer, dear readers! We will be savoring the last heat of the summer here in New England! Thanks for “stopping by”!