Summer in the city...on the farm

Working outside every day in the heat takes a toll on the body and the energy level, and I thought I would share a few observations I've made over the last few days:

• My boot tan is coming in, something I've been afraid of but I know is inevitable. I have a tendency to roll my ankles, so I have to wear boots so I'm not looking down when I'm walking. But it's really hot, so I wear shorts. We also wear pollinating aprons a large portion of the day which scrape on your legs, so I wear long shorts. And tall socks with boots. With a large floppy hat and safety glasses. I am a fashion queen in the field. Sadly, the boot tan line is a reminder to those that aren't in the field that I have such awesome fashion sense.
• I can't wear a tank top every day. Between the occasional burn (I'm one of those people that can burn 100 times) and the pollen that gives me a sweet rash on my arms, I need to alternate between tees and tanks. Luckily the farmer tan on my arms is not as noticeable as the one on my legs!
• People who work indoors all day love to tell you how hot is outside on any given day. Thanks, I was aware. See the sweat?
• I did not know my wrists could sweat. Learned something new today.
• At lunch, I'm so hot nothing sounds good to eat. A cold sandwich and some salty chips are usually somewhat appealing, but nothing else really sounds good. After work, nothing sounds good. But then something salty. And something sweet. Then salty. Then sweet....
• Everyday sounds like a great day for ice cream.

Yesterday I rode my bike to work (roughly 3 miles), worked outside from 8-3, and then rode the bike home. While the first mile or so was a little rough in the afternoon, the ride felt good. When I got home, I laid on a towel on the floor sweating for a while. Again, I felt good, but I was exhausted. I was sound asleep in bed last night by 8:30. This summer is taking a toll on me. But I think my material is past the peak and the rest of the group will be peaking this week. I'm hoping this is the last weekend we're working!