Today is the first day of September, a month of hope, as the fall season begins, three weeks in.  It seems a long way off, however, when you're facing 100° weather for 2-3 days.  Still, it's the knowledge that August has passed, that leaves with you that inkling of hope, knowing that the days will soon grow cooler, the heat will lose its hold, and you will pass into autumn splendor.  One can only hope... 

August, as always, was a most cruel and relentless month, pouring out a slew of sultry days across the Mississippi Valley. Even now, as August has departed, we're left with a forecast of two more days in a row, approaching 100° or above. Currently, it is 82° at the Lambert St. Louis Int'l airport, and the sun has only just risen.  We will experience intolerable conditions for the next two days, excessive heat and humidity, forcing those more fortunate to retreat indoors.  I will grit my teeth and bear it, as I have done the past two months, and wait patiently for our forecast respite.   Good riddance, August, 2011!!!