One Secret To Living Longer

This summer has had some really hot, dry weather.  The water ban was put into effect back on July 5th when the Quinebaug River flow gauge at the Westville dam registered under 47.2 cubic feet per second for three consecutive days.

The ban is still in effect.

So, when the skies get all dark and muddled, and it looks like a tornado is brewing to the northwest of our house over in Warren, I go outside and find a good, safe spot, and wait for the storm.

The rain will do us good is like saying, "...but it's a dry heat". Yep. That's true. Conversation starters about the weather are the most inane.

"Cute baby."

"Thanks, but the heat affects him badly."

"He gets hot with the heat?"

"Yeah."

(pause)

"OK then. Gotta go."

Sometimes, the clouds keep moving due east, and onto Shrewsbury Street, and other times the thunder slowly picks up like some shut in tympani wanting attention.

Those are the days I like. I really enjoy it when the skies open, and the Great Lakes are deposited onto our yard, the thunder scares the whiskers right off the cats, and the lightening is so intense that it casts shadows in the day light.

Times like this are designed to let you know that you are still alive, and part of the world. I don't appreciate being nagged, but reminders like these are welcome. Things like this make life more enjoyable, and may allow me to live longer.

Another reminder that will help me live longer is Mary calling out from somewhere inside the house, "You had better wipe those wet, grassy shoes before you come inside this house".

It's all about enjoying the moments, and doing what you can to have a lot more of them.

I'm better at wiping my feet now, and that is the real secret to living longer.