COLD AS ICE

Summer some places are nice. I'd forgotten. Before you think I'm getting nostalgic about MTV Summers, please think again. I remember the humidity all too well.

When it reached 110 degrees in Scottsdale last week, I went to a swimming pool where things were much better. Only did they get worse when I touched some metal on my sunglasses. No problem: off with the glasses, as I tossed them to the cool decking.

Later, I moved my arm on the raft I was floating on. It felt like I touched it to a hot toaster. "Ok, you win," I declared softly under my breath and headed inside to air conditioned comfort. Actually, I could have screamed it at the top of my lungs and no one could have heard. They were already inside. You see, that's the way it is in Southwestern Summers. People spend more time inside their homes or at Costco. It's the exact reverse of those who dwell in cold weather climes.

So I'm at Jackson Hole this week. High temperature--low 70's. Last night's low--35. Wow. That's almost 80 degrees cooler than I'm used to. So, I was in no hurry to get to breakfast this morning. I stepped out to 47 degrees. I was in short sleeves and shorts and as long as I was in the sun, it was fine.

The Teton National Park is a sight of beauty. There's the hole, or the valley, and then there they are, rising up exposing their snow caps. As I raise my voice to the Maker, I'm reminded again of His creation.