@lioness, How I agree with you that this high heat is disrupting our outside walks! Yesterday was my birthday and my children sent me a lovely Shutterfly photo book of family photos with inscriptions taken over the last year. Couldn't wait to open it until their call, (we are on different time zones and I wake so early). So grabbed a mug of coffee and Family Adventures album and headed for our Arboretum and wildflower park for an early walk and lovely space to enjoy.

At 6:30 am a couple were walking in the park and as we distanced and talked a bit through our masks, it turns out they have been taking daily walks in the park for three years. They live nearby and take their walks early before dressing for their jobs. They asked about the album so it was an added pleasure to allow them to thumb through it. Certainly an unexpected surprise and delight because so often I don't even see others on my walks.

Later in the very hot day as I went to the mailbox, I found a tiny Gecko inside the metal box. Wallah!! My love affair with Geckos began years ago when I found a small one in my garage. Many a fruit fly order was placed at one local pet store and many kept and nurtured Geckos later, it was astonishing to happen upon this little fella in a metal mailbox of all places and on my special day to boot! Quickly lifted him out and placed the baby under a shade tree under some plants. At least the little guy was "sitting" on some mail but how he managed to scamper up and into the box is a mystery. Just the very short walk from garage to street had me wilted and perspiring as I hustled back to the house!

My thoughts are with all of our California and Colorado friends and families as incredible heat and lightening storms continue to set areas ablaze. My daughter and friend can see smoke and haze in the distance from their morning hikes in the Boulder, CO area.

Best wishes to all who are working to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and well!