Living in The Old Famers Almanac in July 2013

Happy Independence Day!

Farmer's Calendar

Most of us anticipate the summer with its long hours of daylight and comfortable warmth. But when temperatures rise into the high double digits, it's time to find ways to stay cool as a cucumber.

Farmers, landscapers, and others who make their living working outdoors use several methods to make their jobs comfortable in warm weather. Some escape the worst of the heat by starting at first light and stopping early. Others may find relief by working in shady areas during the hottest time of the day.

If you need to work outdoors in hot weather, pace yourself and take frequent breaks out of the sun. Wear loose-fitting clothes and don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the Sun's rays. Sweating helps to cool your body but causes you to lose much-needed water, so drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. And, as much as you might be otherwise inclined on these bright, sunny days, stay away from caffeine and alcohol, as well as protein-rich foods.

While battling heat, let your thoughts drift to a refreshing swim or a leisurely mountain hike. These contemplations may help you to feel less like a piping-hot, baked potato.

If this fails, slices of cooling cukes on your skin will help you to chill out.

SKY WATCH ☆ Use binoculars to see Venus, still just 10 degrees above the horizon in from of the Beehive star cluster in Cancer, as twilight fades just begin fireworks begin on the 4th. Earth reaches aphelion, its annual furthest point from the Sun, on the 5th. The quarter Moon sits next to Virgo's blue star Spica on the 15th and dangles just below Saturn in the southwestern sky on the 16th. Returning Jupiter is now in its new home of Gemini in the eastern sky during the start of morning twilight, as it passes to the right of dim, orange Mars from the 20th to the 22nd. Venus slides closely above Leo's brightest star, blue Regulus, from the 21st to the 23rd.

Weather

Stick
to
patriotic
topics;
dress
for
the
tropics!
Beamy,
dreamy,
often
steamy.
So
much
thunder,
nights
feel
strange,
like
living
on
an
artillery
range!
We
ought
to
mention
an
occasional
drenchin'.