Houston Heat
Bane in Day, Blessing at Night
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
Another scorching sweltering Houston summer is upon us. This is the time of year that sets Houston apart. It is too hot during the day to do much but wear yourself out and sweat (or glow if you are a Southern Belle). Sun tea brews up quickly in the merciless sun. Pools, lakes, and rivers sparkle and echo the laughter of the frolicsome. Everywhere else, insects buzz in the glaring daylight. Even the early morning is filled with radiant heat. The only break in the temperature is the afternoon thunderstorm.
But, the nights... ahh, they are the charm.
Summer nights in July and August have trumpet flower and honeysuckle vines blooming in the trees. Everything is in full leaf. Just the lightest little night breeze stirs the humid air. The heavy air moves against your skin like tepid water, making the breeze feel like a caress. The sensuous air suggests fewer clothes. Cold drinks ease down your throat with a deceptive frequency. There is a slowness to every action.
Cooking outside saves air conditioning and brings many out at twilight. As the sun goes down, smoky smells permeate suburban neighborhoods. Lawn chairs are filled. Tailgates are pulled down and left that way. Ice chests are dragged out to sweat nearby. Smart folks wear Texas perfume (Deep Woods Off, or something similar) generously dosed from head to toe. Citronella candles and torches offer subtle lighting and some small protection against the fierce mosquitos.
Ice Houses (bars that are open air) thrive at this time of year. Bands play music to the stars at chili cookoffs and benefits for so-and-so. Volleyball and horse shoes are played until full dark. Men are looking for an excuse to barbeque something, from gator tails, to quail, to shrimp, to jalapenos. Women compare the day's tan lines. The dancing doesn't start til after dark, and the fighting begins soon after.
Tonight the blue moon will shine down on Texas. There will be no let up in the heat. Passions will run high. Tall tales will be traded. Kisses will be stolen.
It is a good time to be alive...
But, the nights... ahh, they are the charm.
Summer nights in July and August have trumpet flower and honeysuckle vines blooming in the trees. Everything is in full leaf. Just the lightest little night breeze stirs the humid air. The heavy air moves against your skin like tepid water, making the breeze feel like a caress. The sensuous air suggests fewer clothes. Cold drinks ease down your throat with a deceptive frequency. There is a slowness to every action.
Cooking outside saves air conditioning and brings many out at twilight. As the sun goes down, smoky smells permeate suburban neighborhoods. Lawn chairs are filled. Tailgates are pulled down and left that way. Ice chests are dragged out to sweat nearby. Smart folks wear Texas perfume (Deep Woods Off, or something similar) generously dosed from head to toe. Citronella candles and torches offer subtle lighting and some small protection against the fierce mosquitos.
Ice Houses (bars that are open air) thrive at this time of year. Bands play music to the stars at chili cookoffs and benefits for so-and-so. Volleyball and horse shoes are played until full dark. Men are looking for an excuse to barbeque something, from gator tails, to quail, to shrimp, to jalapenos. Women compare the day's tan lines. The dancing doesn't start til after dark, and the fighting begins soon after.
Tonight the blue moon will shine down on Texas. There will be no let up in the heat. Passions will run high. Tall tales will be traded. Kisses will be stolen.
It is a good time to be alive...