The topic of conversation everywhere today was the weather. The temperatures were in the upper 80's and the humidity in single digits. Only a week ago we had a chill wind and overcast skies.

It augurs for a long hot dry summer, I fear. The fire danger signs are already being posted in Los Padres National Forest and every other day I hear the sirens of the fire trucks (I live a few blocks away from a fire house.)

Jasmine is panting and panting and her fur is falling out in tufts and handfuls all over the house. Time to get out the brush and comb.

The cats loll in the cool shade of the patio outdoors or stretch out along the tiled bathroom floor, probably the coolest spot in the house.

All the doors and windows are open right now, hoping to catch whatever cooling zephyrs wend our way. It's time to plan for salads and cold chicken for dinners and pitchers of iced tea and lemonade. Summer is a-comin' in, loudly sing cuckoo!