Roy’s Sunday Letter for July 12, 2026
Ways To Make It Through Texas July & August Heat
TV weather forecast for July and August in Texas is Hot – Hot – & Hotter. This Sunday Letter will offer ways to not only to survive but perhaps find fun and enjoyable ways to be curious and joyful in the heat.
Escaping Texas for your Santa Fe or a Colorado condo or 2nd home would be the coolest, most enjoyable summer. Since not everyone has that ability to escape, it is good to pay attention to older neighbors, families with young children to make sure they are ok. From our front window, I see that not every dog walker is mindful of sidewalk heat on the unprotected paws of their pet.
Fun ways to hold down the heat includes finding a summer book at the library or a cool salad lunch with friends. If you can, do what has to be done in the morning cool. Wear a wide brim straw hat and long sleeves in the garden and on daily walk. Shopping centers provide a sun safe way of exercising even on the hottest of days. Those of us in Texas like to complain about the heat but as I have learned it is impermanent, thankfully.
Overwhelming summer heat can be stressful. Fortunately, each of our 4 seasons have unique gifts of beauty. The beauty of summer offers the shade of clouds, an unexpected shower restoring strength to trees, gardens, and grasses. The calendar moves the seasons along. Find a shady bench on a walking trail, smile and wave was walkers pass by. Breathe in the joy of these moments. And, even watch Weather at 5 with the anticipation of the changing of the seasons.
Roy, thinking of September even on a 99-degree day
My meditation group listened to poetry yesterday; when I read about fall from Mary Oliver, a member delighted in the cool images and reported a tradition of watching Dr. Zhivago each summer as an escape!
Our beloved Mary continues to give and encourage us all.
We have elder friend with only floor fans, refusing our intentions to support.
She know all library and community center hours.
You help me be heart helpful of others.Roy
roy
I find summer to be a wonderful time of the year as I encounter the beauty of nature and the opportunity to communicate with Mother Nature. Every day is a different and suspenseful encounter with her. The voices of the birds of the air. The presence of magnificent trees that present themselves with such grandeur. The different stages of the beauty of each day that presents its self different each day with different wonders to behold. It is a time to become connected to all that surrounds us that enhances our lives and our souls.
I know you 2 qre enjoying the mornings of cook and possibly wet.
Rain over night here…..about 93 degrees Monday.
A well written Comment in all ways……
I grew up in St. Louis where the summers were brutal with heat and humidity. The only saving Grace was having fall to look forward to, here we usually skip Fall altogether. We only had an attic far that blew hot air into the windows. So grateful for air conditioning now. I remember my first years of teaching when we had to wear dresses and hose and had one floor fan I made sure was facing the children. I don’t want to go back to that so I will enjoy my cool air and dream about cooler days.g
Yes on youthful units blowing hot air.
I remember elementary teachers doing their best as we young ones sweated the day even with open windows.
Learning scores improved with first air conditioning.
I appreciate your staying power and patience with TX humidity and heat
For now, enjoy your cool……lunch together soon….Roy
Good morning all.
Been living in Oregon 5 years now.
About this time of year locals start complaining about the heat. Somedays creep into low 90’s, but no humidity.
I just smile and tell them to be thankful it ain’t Texas Heat. I don’t know how yall do it. I try not to visit back home in July August. Keep writing Roy and all y’all stay cool.
Mike…..
Santa Fe spoiled us on every day cool.
I was not sure about the interest in writing about weather, but reception seems supportive.
My best wishes and thankfulness for and with you both….Roy
friend
You nailed it! Hot, and Hotter! Indoor sports, poker and bridge are my go to activities for getting through the heat. And be able to travel can sometimes, but certainly not all the time, allow one to escape the heat. All of your suggestions are important as we age. I’ve finally gotten in the habit of wearing a hat/cap when I’m out in the sun. Doctor’s orders! Hopefully you and Beth stay safe, cool and comfortable in the continued forecast of the week’s ahead,
Poker and bridge?
I think of you stil as tanned hard court guy who meditates between sets
Maureen wrote of being young teacher in dress and hose.
WE adapt, shift, and continue……Staying close by….Roy
Just so you know Roy, Santa Fe has been in the 90’s for some lengthy period, so we are not exempt. We are saved to some extent by cool nights and low humidity. My way to beat the heat is to take the pup out early, by 8, and only go out otherwise when necessary.
Yes to your day plan. Every night on the patio.
Weather so much a part of our 2026 days.
I am not the best at weather writing. Beth attempting ease me away from my heavier words.
Three couple friends with Alz spouse (2 male,1 woman). We 4, for now, are good of most health.
Best to yoi both. always….Roy
I am thankful for a cool spot to enter into after being out in the heat. My thoughts are with construction workers, delivery personnel of mail, groceries or most things that we may choose to not go and get ourselves.
Summer heat is here, stay cool and well!
Billie, we shake our heads when our mail person walks to leave a card ad in our box as only mail.
I agree with you about paying attention to others. Add trofers to the list.
You be special, always…..Roy
With a heavy overcast and wind stirring up my beautiful golden chain tree is a welcomed place to lay beneath. She has the most beautiful sound and leaves that are crowed with golden chains. No rain here. X/O LM
Right tree, right person
Sent best friend friends off to SF for 5 days.
I slipped in their back seat but they found me….tossed me to the FW curb
You be wonderous, life in full color