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With Sonya Gordon

  • Sparkling, Still or Ice Cold? Common Hydration Questions, Answered

    Water seems like the simplest thing in the world, yet summer brings a steady stream of questions about it. Here are straightforward answers to some of the most common ones. They are general information, not personal advice, so if you have a health condition or take medication that affects fluids, talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

    Do I really need eight glasses a day?

    The eight-glasses rule is easy to remember, but it is not a universal prescription. How much fluid a person needs depends on body size, activity, the weather, health and more. A tall gardener working outside in July needs more than someone spending a cool day indoors.

    It also helps to know that plain water is not your only source. National nutrition guidelines count the water in all beverages and foods, and fruits and vegetables carry a surprising amount of it. Rather than counting glasses, many people find it easier to keep water close by and drink a little throughout the day.

    Does sparkling water count?

    Yes. Plain sparkling water is simply water with carbon dioxide added, and it counts toward your fluids just like still water. If the bubbles make water more appealing, that is a good reason to enjoy it. Flavored sparkling waters vary, so read the label if you want to avoid added sugar or sweeteners. Some people find carbonation makes them feel full or bloated, in which case still water may be more comfortable.

    Is ice-cold water better on a hot day?

    The best temperature is the one you will actually drink. Many people find cold water more refreshing in the heat and naturally drink more of it, which is a real advantage. Others find very cold water uncomfortable, especially on sensitive teeth, and prefer it cool or at room temperature. Either way, the water is doing the same job.

    How can I tell if I am drinking enough?

    Thirst is one clue. Another commonly used everyday guide is the color of your urine: pale yellow generally suggests you are well hydrated, while dark yellow can be a sign you need more fluid. Some vitamins, foods and medications change urine color, so this is a rough guide rather than a test. Feeling unusually tired, light-headed or headachy on a hot day can also be a cue to drink, rest and cool down.

    Can you drink too much water?

    It is possible, though uncommon for most healthy people. Drinking very large amounts in a short time, particularly during long, sweaty exercise, can dilute the sodium in the blood, which can be dangerous. People with certain heart, kidney or other conditions may be told to limit fluids. Steady sipping over the day is usually more comfortable than drinking a lot at once. Anyone with questions about electrolytes, sports drinks or fluid limits should ask their doctor.

    Most of the time, staying hydrated in summer is less about rules and more about ease: a cold bottle within reach, a glass with meals and a little attention to how you feel. And if anyone with you seems confused, faint or very unwell in the heat, move them to a cool place and seek medical help right away.

  • Why Humidity Frizzes Hair, and Gentle Ways to Work With It

    You can step out of the house with smooth, carefully styled hair and arrive at your car looking like you walked through a cloud. In a Middle Georgia summer, humidity has a way of rewriting every hairstyle. The good news is that frizz is not a sign that you are doing anything wrong. It is simple chemistry, and once you understand it, it becomes easier to work with.

    What humidity does to a strand of hair

    Hair is made mostly of a protein called keratin. Inside each strand, the protein chains are held in shape by different kinds of chemical bonds. Some are strong and stable. Others, called hydrogen bonds, are weak and break and reform easily when water is present. That is why wet hair can be reshaped as it dries, and why a blowout holds its shape on a dry day.

    When the air is humid, hair absorbs moisture from it. Water slips into the strand, hydrogen bonds break and reform in new places, and the hair swells and bends. Smooth hair turns wavy, waves turn curly and strands lift away from one another. Hair that is dry or has been lightened, heat styled or otherwise roughened tends to absorb moisture more readily, which is why it often frizzes first.

    Hair responds to humidity so reliably that, in the late 1700s, a Swiss scientist built one of the first practical instruments for measuring humidity using a strand of human hair. As the hair absorbed moisture, it lengthened slightly and moved a pointer across a scale.

    Gentle ways to work with humid air

    • Keep hair conditioned. A good conditioner after every wash and a light leave-in product help smooth the surface of the strand.
    • Handle wet hair carefully. Use a wide-tooth comb, and blot with a soft towel or cotton T-shirt rather than rubbing.
    • Ease up on heat styling. Air-drying or using lower heat leaves hair less roughened over time.
    • Look at anti-humidity products. Many contain ingredients that form a light film over the hair, which can slow how quickly it takes up moisture from the air.
    • Try a silk or satin pillowcase or scarf. Many people find their hair looks smoother in the morning with less friction overnight.

    Styles that suit the season

    Sometimes the most restful choice is to stop fighting. Summer is a natural time to let your natural texture show, whether that is waves, curls or coils. Braids, buns, twists and low ponytails can keep hair off your neck and hold up well in the heat. A soft scarf or a wide-brimmed hat adds polish and shades your scalp and hair from the sun, which can fade color over time.

    It can also help to change your expectations for the season. A style that looks effortless in October may simply not be worth the fight in July. Many people find summer a freeing time to try a shorter cut, a simpler routine or a few new ways to wear their hair up.

    When to ask for help

    A trusted stylist can suggest cuts, products and routines suited to your hair type and our climate. If you notice sudden shedding, thinning, scalp irritation or other changes, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. For the ordinary frizz of a muggy afternoon, though, a little understanding and a few gentle habits can turn humidity from an enemy into simply part of summer.

  • Humid Outside, Dry Inside: Skin Comfort in an Air-Conditioned Summer

    It is one of the odd contradictions of a Southern summer. Outside, the air is so thick with moisture that your skin feels damp within minutes. Inside, under the steady breath of the air conditioner, your hands feel tight, your lips feel dry and your skin can feel almost wintry by the end of the day. If you spend long hours moving between the two, your skin is adjusting all the time.

    Why air conditioning dries the air

    An air conditioner does two jobs at once. As warm indoor air passes over its cold coils, the air is cooled and some of its water vapor condenses into liquid, which drains away. That is why an air conditioner drips and why a cooled room feels less muggy. It is also why air that has been conditioned for hours, especially in offices, stores and cars with vents aimed right at you, can feel noticeably dry.

    A steady stream of cool, dry air moving across your skin can leave it feeling tight. Many people also notice dry lips, rougher hands and eyes that feel a bit scratchy after a long day in a cold office.

    Gentle habits for skin that lives indoors

    • Keep showers lukewarm. Hot water can leave skin feeling stripped, even in summer.
    • Moisturize after washing, while skin is still slightly damp. A light lotion or gel cream suits the daytime, and something a little richer can feel good at night.
    • Carry a small hand cream and a lip balm. Frequent handwashing plus dry indoor air is a recipe for rough hands.
    • Redirect vents. Angle office, car and bedroom vents so the air is not blowing straight onto your face or bed.
    • Drink water through the day. It will not transform your skin, but it is a simple comfort when the air feels dry.

    Finding a comfortable indoor humidity

    Indoor air does not need to be humid to feel pleasant, but it should not feel parched either. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency generally recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, which helps discourage mold while keeping the air comfortable. An inexpensive humidity monitor can tell you where your home sits.

    If your bedroom feels very dry, a small humidifier may help it feel more comfortable. Clean it often and follow the manufacturer’s directions, since standing water in a humidifier can grow mold and bacteria. In a Georgia summer, many homes will not need one at all, so check the numbers before adding moisture.

    Moving between two climates

    Sudden shifts from a hot parking lot to a chilly lobby can feel jarring. A light cardigan or wrap in your bag lets you adjust without cranking the thermostat, and it keeps cold air off your arms and shoulders. Take a minute in the shade before walking into a cold building, and try not to blast the car’s air directly at your face.

    Pay attention to how your skin feels at the end of the day, and adjust your routine to match. If dryness, itching, redness or eye discomfort persists despite these changes, talk to your doctor, a dermatologist or an eye doctor. Most of the time, though, a lighter touch with hot water, a little extra moisture and a mindful eye on the vents will keep your skin comfortable in both climates.

  • The Spots Sunscreen Often Misses: A Head-to-Toe Summer Checklist

    Most of us apply sunscreen the same way every time: a quick pass over the face, the arms and maybe the legs, then out the door. The trouble is that a few spots get skipped again and again, and by the end of a long July day they are often the ones that feel tight, warm and pink. Here is a head-to-toe checklist of the places people commonly miss, with a few simple fixes.

    Head and face

    • The tops and backs of the ears. Ears stick out into the sun and are easy to forget. A sunscreen stick makes them simple to cover.
    • The hairline and the part in your hair. A wide-brimmed hat is the easiest answer. Some sunscreens are made for the scalp, including powders and light sprays.
    • Around the eyes. Many people avoid this area because sunscreen can sting. A stick or a formula labeled for the eye area can help, and sunglasses do the rest.
    • The lips. Look for a lip balm with SPF and reapply it after eating and drinking.
    • Under the jaw and the sides of the nose. These areas tend to get a quick swipe rather than a full coat.

    Neck, chest and arms

    • The back of the neck. It is fully exposed when you garden, read on the porch or walk with your head bent toward a phone. Collared shirts and hats with a back brim help.
    • The chest and neckline. Open collars, sundresses and swimsuits leave this area out in the sun for hours.
    • The backs of the hands. Hands are washed often, which removes sunscreen. Reapply after washing, especially when you are driving or gardening.
    • The shoulders and upper back. These are hard to reach on your own. Ask for help, or choose a shirt or swim top that covers them.

    Legs and feet

    • The backs of the knees and legs. Easy to skip and easy to burn, especially when lying face down at the pool or the beach.
    • The tops of the feet. Sandal season means bare feet in the sun all day. Apply sunscreen to the tops of the feet and the ankles, and reapply after swimming or walking through wet grass.

    Habits that make it easier

    Coverage is less about the perfect product and more about routine. Apply sunscreen before you dress, so the edges of your clothes are covered too. Use a generous amount, following the directions on the label, and reapply as the label advises, especially after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Check expiration dates and replace bottles that are old or have spent the summer baking in a hot car.

    Shade, hats, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves all help, and on the brightest days they do much of the work. Planning outdoor time for the early morning or evening keeps you out of the strongest midday sun.

    A note on sunglasses and skin checks

    When choosing sunglasses, look for a label that says they block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, sometimes listed as UV400. Darker lenses alone do not guarantee protection.

    Summer is also a natural time to notice your skin. If you see a spot that is new, changing, itching or bleeding, or anything that simply worries you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. Sun care is one of the simplest forms of self-care, and a few extra seconds on the ears, lips and feet make it complete.

  • Sweat, Skin and Summer: How Sweating Works and How to Stay Comfortable

    By the middle of a Georgia July, most of us have accepted that we will be a little damp from the moment we step outside until the moment we step back in. Sweat is not glamorous, but it is remarkable. Understanding how it works can make the season feel less like a battle and more like something your body is quietly handling for you.

    Two kinds of sweat glands

    Your skin holds millions of sweat glands, and they come in two main types.

    • Eccrine glands are spread across nearly the whole body, with especially many on the palms, the soles of the feet and the forehead. They open directly onto the skin and release a thin, watery sweat that is mostly water with a little salt. Their main job is cooling.
    • Apocrine glands are concentrated in the underarms and groin. They open into hair follicles, become active around puberty and release a thicker fluid, especially in response to stress or strong emotion.

    Fresh sweat has very little smell. Body odor develops when bacteria that naturally live on the skin break down the components of sweat, particularly from apocrine glands. That is why odor tends to build over time rather than appearing the moment you start to perspire.

    How sweat cools you, and why humidity gets in the way

    Sweat cools the body as it evaporates. Turning liquid into vapor takes energy, and much of that energy comes from the heat of your skin. On a dry day, sweat evaporates quickly and you may barely notice it.

    On a humid day, the air is already holding a great deal of moisture, so sweat evaporates more slowly. It beads up, soaks your shirt and leaves you feeling sticky without the same cooling effect. This is a big part of why a muggy afternoon in Macon can feel more draining than a drier day at the same temperature. A breeze from a fan or a shady spot with moving air helps by carrying moist air away from your skin.

    Keeping skin comfortable

    A few simple habits make sweaty days easier on your skin:

    • Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen for everyday wear, and moisture-wicking fabrics for exercise.
    • Change out of damp clothes, socks and swimsuits when you can, rather than letting them sit against your skin for hours.
    • Rinse off after heavy sweating with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, then pat dry, paying attention to skin folds.
    • Wash workout clothes and towels promptly so odor does not settle in.
    • Keep heavy, rich creams for cooler evenings and favor lighter textures during the day.

    Deodorant or antiperspirant?

    The two words are often used interchangeably, but they do different things. Deodorants are designed to address odor, often with fragrance and ingredients that make the skin less friendly to odor-causing bacteria. Antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily reduce the amount of sweat that reaches the skin. Many products combine both. Which you choose is a personal preference, and if a product irritates your skin, try a different formula.

    Sweating is a normal part of how the body handles heat, but some changes are worth a conversation with your doctor or a dermatologist: sweating that seems unusually heavy or happens without heat or effort, a rash that does not settle, or a sudden change in body odor. For everything else, a cool rinse, a clean shirt and a little patience are summer’s best companions.

  • Cool as a Cucumber: The Long History and Simple Pleasures of a Summer Staple

    There is a reason we say someone is cool as a cucumber. Slice one open on a hot day and the crisp, pale flesh feels refreshing just to look at. Cucumbers are mostly water, mild in flavor and generous in a summer garden, and they have been part of human life for a very long time.

    From South Asia to the Roman table

    The cucumber is generally believed to have been first cultivated in South Asia, where people have grown it for thousands of years. From there it traveled west along trade routes to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The ancient Greeks and Romans grew cucumbers, and the Roman writer Pliny the Elder recorded that the emperor Tiberius was so fond of them that his gardeners grew them in movable beds, wheeling them into the sun by day and sheltering them when the weather turned cold.

    Cucumbers spread across Europe through the Middle Ages, and European explorers and colonists carried them to the Americas. By the time of the early American republic, they were common in kitchen gardens, and pickling them was a practical way to enjoy the summer harvest through the rest of the year.

    A phrase for keeping calm

    The expression cool as a cucumber has been in English for centuries. It likely began simply because cucumbers feel cool to the touch and seem unbothered by the heat. Over time, it came to describe a person who stays calm and composed under pressure, which is not a bad goal for a July afternoon.

    Cucumbers in the kitchen

    Nearly every warm-weather cuisine has a cooling cucumber dish:

    • Greek tzatziki, with yogurt, garlic and dill
    • Indian raita, often seasoned with cumin and fresh herbs
    • Delicate tea sandwiches, a fixture of the English afternoon tea
    • The Southern summer standby of sliced cucumbers and onions in a splash of vinegar, sugar and black pepper

    Each one pairs the cucumber’s crunch with something tangy or creamy, and each is best eaten cold on a day too hot to cook.

    The cucumber as a spa ritual

    Cucumber slices resting over closed eyes have become a familiar image of relaxation, and the ritual is easy to recreate at home. Chill a cucumber, wash it well, slice two thin rounds and lie back somewhere quiet for ten minutes with the slices over your closed eyelids. The pleasure is mostly in the coolness and the excuse to be still. You can also add a few slices to a pitcher of cold water for a subtle, fresh flavor.

    If your skin is sensitive, test a slice on a small area first, and skip the ritual if you notice any irritation. Anyone with ongoing eye or skin concerns should talk to a doctor.

    Growing your own

    Cucumbers love warm weather and steady water, which makes them a natural fit for a Georgia summer garden. Pick them young and often, ideally in the cool of the morning, because a vine left with overgrown fruit tends to slow down. Heat and dry spells can make cucumbers taste bitter, so a deep drink of water during a hot stretch helps keep them crisp and mild. A few vines on a trellis can supply a household with salads, sandwiches and cool slices all summer long.

  • Uchimizu, Wind Chimes and Windcatchers: Cooling Traditions From Around the World

    Every hot climate has its own wisdom about staying comfortable. In the American South, it was the shaded porch and the slow afternoon. Elsewhere in the world, people developed rituals, sounds and buildings that made summer easier to live with. Some of these traditions are centuries old, and a few translate surprisingly well to a Georgia backyard.

    Uchimizu: sprinkling water in Japan

    In Japan, uchimizu is the custom of sprinkling water on streets, garden paths and the ground in front of homes and shops, usually in the morning or evening. As the water evaporates, it takes a little heat with it and settles the dust. Just as important, it signals care: a freshly sprinkled entryway tells visitors they are welcome. Traditionally, people often used leftover water, such as water saved from washing, rather than fresh water from the tap.

    Furin: the sound of a breeze

    Hang a small glass or metal wind chime by a window in a Japanese home in summer and you have a furin. Its job is not to change the temperature but to make the breeze audible. Each gentle chime is a reminder that the air is moving, and many people find that the sound alone makes a hot room feel a little fresher. It is a lovely example of cooling through the senses rather than through machinery.

    Windcatchers, ice houses and clay pots

    In Iran and around the Persian Gulf, builders raised tall towers called windcatchers on top of houses. Openings near the top caught passing breezes and channeled them down into the rooms below, while warm air escaped upward. The desert city of Yazd is famous for its skyline of these towers. Persian builders also created yakhchals, large domed structures where ice gathered in winter could be stored deep into the warm months.

    A humbler invention is still in use in many homes: the unglazed clay water jar. In India it is often called a matka, and in Spain a similar jug is known as a botijo. Water slowly seeps through the porous clay and evaporates from the outside, which keeps the water inside noticeably cooler than the air around it.

    Courtyards and fountains

    In southern Spain, the palaces of the Alhambra in Granada are known for courtyards built around pools, channels and fountains. Shade, greenery and the sound of moving water combine to create spaces that feel calm even on hot days. The same idea shaped courtyard homes across the Mediterranean and the Middle East: turn inward, plant something green and let water be part of the room.

    Borrowing the ideas at home

    Not every tradition works the same way in a humid climate. Evaporation is slower when the air is already full of moisture, so a Georgia patio will not cool as dramatically as a desert courtyard. Still, the spirit of these customs travels well:

    • Sprinkle a shaded patio or walkway in the evening with water saved in a rain barrel or left in the watering can.
    • Hang a wind chime where the breeze passes, and notice how its sound changes the feel of the porch.
    • Add a small tabletop fountain, or a wide bowl of water with a few floating blossoms, to a sitting area. Change standing water every few days so mosquitoes cannot breed in it.
    • Plant for shade and greenery near the places you rest.

    The common thread in all of these traditions is attention. People who lived with heat learned to notice small breezes, small sounds and small patches of shade, and to arrange their lives around them. That kind of noticing is a gentle practice in any season.

  • The Chilled Towel: Oshibori, Cool Cloths and a Simple Summer Comfort

    Few things feel better on a sticky July afternoon than pressing a cool, damp cloth to your face. It is one of the simplest comforts there is, and people in many parts of the world have turned it into a small act of hospitality. With a few washcloths and a spot in the refrigerator, you can make it part of your own summer routine.

    The story of the oshibori

    In Japan, guests at many restaurants are handed an oshibori before the meal: a small, moist towel, rolled neatly and often presented on a little tray. The name comes from the Japanese word for wringing, since the towel is soaked and wrung out before it is served. In colder months the towel is usually warm. In summer it is often chilled.

    The custom is often traced back to inns that offered travelers a damp cloth to wipe away the dust of the road. Today it is less about cleaning than about welcome. The towel says, in effect, you have arrived, you can rest now. Hotels, spas and some airlines around the world have adopted their own versions, and anyone who has been handed a cold towel after a long walk in the heat knows why.

    Closer to home, many Southern families have their own version: a cool washcloth draped over the back of the neck while sitting on the porch, or a damp handkerchief tucked in a pocket for a long afternoon outdoors.

    How to make chilled towels at home

    You need nothing more than a few clean washcloths or small hand towels and a covered container.

    • Soak each cloth in cool, clean water and wring it out well, so it is damp rather than dripping.
    • Roll each one tightly, starting from a short end.
    • Place the rolls in a lidded container or a clean zippered bag and chill them in the refrigerator for twenty minutes or more.
    • Use them within the day, then launder them and let them dry fully before reusing.

    For a light scent, you can soak the cloths in water with a few cucumber slices or a sprig of fresh mint, or use a gentle hydrosol in place of some of the water. We do not recommend adding undiluted essential oils to a cloth that will be pressed against your face, since concentrated oils can irritate skin and eyes. Unscented is always a perfectly good choice.

    A five-minute cooling ritual

    When the afternoon feels heavy, take a towel from the refrigerator and find a seat out of the sun. Unroll the cloth slowly and notice the first touch of coolness in your hands. Press it gently to your forehead and cheeks, then rest it across the back of your neck or drape it over your wrists.

    Close your eyes and take a few slow breaths. Notice where the coolness travels and how the rest of your body responds. When the towel warms, fold it to a fresh side or reach for a second one. Five quiet minutes like this can feel like a small reset in the middle of a long, hot day.

    A small comfort with real limits

    A chilled towel is a pleasant way to feel fresher, but it is not a substitute for real cooling when the heat becomes dangerous. If you or someone with you feels dizzy, confused, faint or very unwell in the heat, move to a cool place and seek medical help right away. For ordinary summer afternoons, though, a cool cloth and a quiet moment are a lovely small luxury, and one you can offer guests as easily as yourself.

  • A Calmer Fourth of July: Gentle Ways to Enjoy the Holiday in the Heat

    The Fourth of July marks the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, and Americans have celebrated it with parades, picnics, music and fireworks for generations. In Georgia, it also usually means some of the hottest weather of the year, long days outdoors and a late night under the sky.

    It is a holiday worth enjoying fully. It is also one that can leave people sunburned, overfed and worn out by the time the last rocket fades. A little planning can keep the joy and leave out most of the frazzle.

    Start with a slow morning

    If your evening will run late, let the morning be easy. Sleep in if you can, or wake early and enjoy the cool hours on the porch before the day heats up. Eat a real breakfast, drink a glass of water and resist the urge to cram errands into the morning. Shopping for the cookout the day before is one of the kindest gifts you can give your future self.

    Plan the day around the heat

    Afternoon is usually the hottest part of a Georgia July day, so it pays to build the celebration around it.

    • Choose shade for gatherings: a tree-lined yard, a covered pavilion or a porch with fans.
    • Keep water and other cool drinks within easy reach, and offer them often to guests, children and older relatives.
    • Wear light, loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and keep sunscreen by the door for reapplying.
    • Leave room for a midafternoon rest indoors, especially if fireworks will keep everyone up late.

    Food needs care in the heat, too. Perishable dishes should not sit out for long on a hot day, so keep cold foods on ice and put leftovers away promptly. The federal FoodSafety.gov site has clear guidance on safe cookout habits.

    Enjoy the fireworks your way

    Fireworks are the heart of the evening for many families, and there is more than one way to enjoy them. Big public displays are thrilling, but traffic and crowds can be draining. Watching from a quieter spot farther away, or from a friend’s porch with a view of the sky, can be just as lovely.

    Loud bangs are hard on some people and many animals. Small children may be happier with ear protection, and pets are usually more comfortable indoors in a quiet room with familiar bedding. Some neighbors, including some veterans, find the noise distressing, so a little consideration about timing goes a long way.

    Rules for consumer fireworks vary by state and community, so check your city or county’s official website before buying any. If you do set off your own, leave the job to a sober adult, keep water nearby and follow every instruction on the package.

    Protect the day after

    A late night is easier to enjoy when the next day is gentle. If you can, keep the fifth of July light: a later start, simple meals, leftovers from the cookout and maybe a nap in the afternoon. Unpack the cooler, rinse the sunscreen off the patio chairs and let the house be quiet.

    Holidays are meant to bring people together, not wear them down. With a slow start, plenty of shade, careful food handling and a calm plan for the fireworks, the Fourth can be a day that leaves you happy and rested rather than simply glad that it is over.

  • When the Afternoon Storm Rolls In: Staying Safe and Finding Stillness Indoors

    On a July afternoon in Middle Georgia, the sky can change in the time it takes to fold a load of laundry. A bright, steamy morning gives way to towering clouds, the light turns dim and gray, and the first thunder rolls in from somewhere past the tree line. For many of us, these storms are as much a part of summer as peaches and cicadas.

    They can also be a gift: a forced pause in the middle of a busy day. With a little knowledge and a few safe habits, the wait can become one of the calmer moments of the week.

    Why storms favor the afternoon

    Summer thunderstorms here usually follow a simple recipe. The sun heats the ground through the morning, and the ground warms the humid air above it. Warm, moist air rises, cools as it climbs and condenses into clouds. On the most humid days, those clouds keep building into tall thunderheads by mid to late afternoon, which is why so many storms seem to arrive just as the workday winds down.

    These storms are often short. Many blow through in under an hour, leaving cooler air and dripping trees behind them. But they can bring lightning, sudden downpours and strong gusts, so they deserve respect.

    Safety comes first

    The National Weather Service sums up lightning safety in four words: when thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck, even if the rain has not reached you yet. A few basics are worth keeping in mind:

    • Go inside a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows up. Porches, picnic shelters, tents and open garages are not safe places to wait.
    • Indoors, stay off corded phones, away from plumbing and electrical equipment, and back from windows and doors.
    • Wait thirty minutes after the last thunder before heading back out to the pool, the ballfield or the garden.
    • Keep a flashlight and a charged phone handy in case the power flickers.

    For forecasts and warnings, the National Weather Service is the official source.

    A quiet ritual for the wait

    Once you are safely inside, the storm itself can become something to notice instead of something to endure. Settle into a comfortable seat in an interior room or well back from the glass. Turn off the television and put the phone face down.

    Then simply listen. Notice the first heavy drops, the rising roar of rain on the roof, the long rumble of distant thunder and the sharper crack of a near strike. Let your breathing slow and lengthen as the sounds rise and fall. If your mind wanders to the to-do list, let the next roll of thunder call you back. You might sip something cool, rest your eyes or wrap up in a light throw while the house hums along around you.

    Children who feel frightened by thunder often take comfort in a routine of their own: a blanket fort, a story read aloud, or counting the seconds between flash and rumble together as the storm moves away.

    After the storm

    When thirty minutes have passed without thunder, step outside and see what the storm left behind. The air often feels several degrees cooler and freshly washed. Leaves drip, gutters gurgle and the birds start up again. A short, slow walk around the yard or down the block is a lovely way to mark the end of the pause before the evening carries on.