Cool Thoughts

As the heat and humidity of summer bear down with crushing decisiveness, many of us are looking for ways to stay cool. I am blessed with the option of spending most of my time in air-conditioned environments. I am also old enough to know that air conditioning is truly a blessed invention. My younger days on the farm often utilized "natural air-conditioning" to keep cool. Windows were opened at night in hopes of circulating cooler air throughout the house. Early in the morning, the windows were snapped shut in an attempt to hold the cooler air inside as the mercury in the outdoor thermometer soared. In theory, this was a good way to make the best of summer days. In actuality, there were many days of hot, sticky air that simply recycled itself around and around. We had large box fans strategically located throughout our house which gave some relief but hot air is hot air. 

My siblings and I came up with other ways to beat the heat. We didn't have easy access to a clear blue swimming pool but our farm was located a few miles from the Missouri River. Clear blue it was not but it was wet and it could potentially cool you off. When I was old enough to drive, it became possible for us to spend an afternoon at the "beach." We probably spent more time planning and preparing for our afternoon at the river than we actually spent on the beach but it was a good distraction and it kept us out of our mom's hair. We saw it as an opportunity to escape potential chore assignments and add a little adventure to our lives. 

Our supplies usually consisted of three items, towels, snacks and a jug of water. We had no cell phones. Sunscreen was not a thing. Bottled water was unheard of and a beach umbrella was for ocean people. Occasionally, we took a transistor radio (if you are young, you might have to Google it). We often spent more time trying to get a station on the radio than it was worth but we always hoped for the sweet spot on the persnickety dial. 

I don't remember my mom giving us very many warnings as we took off on the gravel covered, winding road to the river, but she did remind us to be watchful for snakes. The poisonous prairie rattlesnake liked to spend time in shady places along the river and one could potentially experience a nasty interaction with the reptile. My vivid imagination was sure that I was hearing the rattling of an angry snake with every step I took in the grassy areas. Our beach area was undeveloped so we had no walkways or "designated areas." 

Occasionally we shared the shoreline with a few cows, flicking their tails at the biting flies while they cooled themselves in the shallow water. The cows always reminded us that it was best to keep our mouths closed when spending time in the water. No chlorine or filters here.

We stayed at the beach until our interest and snacks waned. We packed up our soggy towels and empty water jug so we could wind our way back through the river hills and head home. We may not have sufficiently cooled ourselves but we always felt refreshed from an afternoon along the river. Cows and kids sometimes need the same thing on a hot summer's day. 

Missouri River Hills