It’s hot. Yes, I know that is an obvious statement but it’s the phrase that keeps playing through my mind like a broken record, while my initiative evaporates in the heat. I know we live in the desert but I like to think we don’t live in that desert. The one where news stations show video of eggs being cooked on the sidewalk and leather car seats leave singe marks on bare thighs. The problem is, it doesn’t look like a short stint in the 100-plus range of temperatures so we need to accept our fate. According to NOAA, this year is the fifth-hottest out of the nation’s 130-year climate history. If you need to be outdoors, be smart about it. Drink lots of water and find lots of shade. If you don’t need to be out, then don’t. Heat like this is relentless and can overcome you with surprising speed. Also keep in mind those less fortunate that may be out on sidewalks looking for a handout. Even if you don’t have the cash, I bet a bottle of water would be welcome. Keep an eye on your pets and be sure they have water and shade as well. Mother Nature will mellow out eventually, but she does not suffer fools, so be smart and keep cool.