“When summer opens, I see how fast it matures, and fear it will be short;
But after the heats of July and August, I am reconciled,
like one who has had his swing, to the cool autumn.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Aug.1 … already? The measurement of time, especially during the summer months, seems to defy the  laws of nature. While June moves slowly along and seems forever lasting, August is fast and  short-lived. Is it possible Albert Einstein did not consider “summertime” in formulating his Theory of Relativity? Maybe there are just some things in life which remain a mystery.

Summer is far from over. But you could have fooled me last Thursday night as a crack of thunder shook the house, lightening lit up our room and one scared golden retriever (Abby) landed between us! We had quite a little storm, including a good rain. Unfortunately, my rain gauge had been displaced by a backyard critter, so I was unable to collect accurate data. Local weather stations measured around .15 inches. However, the pool-water level plus the storm’s intensity and duration tell me different. I may be wrong, but I think it was closer to one inch. No matter which is correct, according to the National Weather Service, “…the only other year in which measurable rain has been recorded downtown on a July 11 was in 1888.” Sounds more like a monsoon, not the early morning showers we actually experienced. A few days of cooler temperatures followed.

A reprieve from the heat is fleeting as the season continues hot. It’s not unusual for this weather pattern to continue through October. Over the past couple of weeks, Weather in The Foothills touched on summer in La Crescenta during the ’60s, and current-day summertime health and safety. Part III of my “summer series” addresses our homes.

The following are a few suggestions for a  safe and comfortable home for the remaining days of summer:

1. Clear rain gutters and rooftop of branches, leaves and pine needles. Besides being a fire hazard, roof damage and flooding (blocked gutters) may result.

2. Decks need a little TLC. Check for structural damage – cracked or loose boards and missing screws/nails. Spiders, termites and unwanted animals (rats) cause damage too.

3. Check locks on pool gates.

4. Clean dryer vents to prevent house fires.

5. Check smoke alarms.

6. Maintain your HVAC system; change filters.

7. Install  a whole house fan. I highly recommend their use. In the evening, open the windows, flip the switch and cool night air fills the house. Ours is used year-round to freshen the air.

Sea breezes will keep temperatures below normal into next week. Include some early morning fog. Expect daytime temperatures  in the upper 70s and low to mid 80s with nights close to 60 degrees. Perfect weather … keep it coming!

I haven’t forgotten our “furry friends.”  Next week’s column  addresses pets and summer.  Abby, fetch your snorkel and mask!

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue KILPARTRICK