Dear Journal~

Funny ... the last time I wrote, it was about weather, and now that I write again, the weather is again the main crux of this journal entry.  The last time I wrote (back in May, nearly three months back), we were under threat of severe storms (including the possibility of tornadoes); now I write because we haven't had any rain SINCE that time!

We have been in a worsening drought here; conditions are so bad ranchers have been shipping their livestock out of state, rivers, lakes, creeks, and wells are drying up, fires are still raging out of control in some places, and everything (including people and animals) are dying.  It's terrible!

And there is no real relief in sight: oh, it MAY cool down to 101 by the middle of next week, but there's not much of a chance of rain unless something changes (and fast!).  Continued highs in the 100s and sunny skies are the rule.  Very frustrating, especially since the lows at night don't even get out of the eightes!  Like last night: the low temperature here in Fort Worth was 88 degrees, which is virtually unheard of!!

The high yesterday in Fort Worth was 110.  Today it could reach 111 or even higher!  Right now, as of 4:25 p.m., it is 109, so we may beat it yet!

Yesterday, Tank got sick from the heat:  he got severe stomach cramps and threw up several times.  Got dizzy and nearly passed out as well.  I got worried, so I took him to the ER of the local hospital.  The medical staff there diagnosed him as having heat exhaustion.  They advised Tank to drink plenty of fluids ant to take the day off from work and eat foods with salt, as his potassium/salt levels were extremely low.  He really scared me when he nearly collapsed while he was going to class!

I'm happy to say Tank is feeling a little better, but he is to be off work until at least Monday.  The doctors want him to get as much rest as possible and to stay indoors near some air conditioning.

I didn't get sick, but I got lightheaded.  I also got a terrible sunburn: I'm so red I'm practically glowing!  And my sunburn HURTS like the dickens!  OW!  So I got fried as well from the sun!

Well, Tank just woke up; he wants me to make him an ice cream smoothie.  I am going to do that for him and then play on Facebook and YouTube for a while.  Then I will probably call for a pizza and we can both stay in and watch "America's Got Talent" and enjoy each other's company.  I will write again soon; 'til laters, this is Steffi Sandusky saying I'm outta here! God bless and pray we get the needed break from this weather!  It's been rough on everybody!  Thanks in advance!

~Steffi.  :(