Leaves hang limp on the canopy of hardwood branches.

The velvety bucks take shelter in the shady cedar swamps. The black bears wallow in the mud holes and in the refreshing bubbling brook waters.

Sleeping away the day becomes routine. Nocturnal is the way to go for so many. At dusk, when the hot Earth breaths a sign of relief, out comes the deer into the fields. The rabbits hit the lush green gardens and the Hares frolic and dust themselves alongside gravel and rut roads.

Hunger raccoons go on a rampage. The owl hunts for mice. Breezy riversides and lake fronts glow with eyes. The mink, the muskrat and the bobcat are looking for a meal.

A luna moth pauses for a minute on a stone.

Everything moves a little slower in mid-summer. Butterflies flit gently by and luna moths pause like huge slices of a lime on a stone wall.

The Yoopers head out to the lake or hop in the boat or seek shelter in the shady hammock in the backyard. Central air, something that was almost unheard of when in was a kid growing up in Upper Michigan, is almost essential now.

A trip to the supermarket on a hot humid day is a joy and not to be rushed. Going to a movie theater just to get out of the hot house is worth the ticket no matter what film is playing.

Climate change is being felt well into the north country. Our gradual seasons of change have lost their moderation. It can be extremely cold for longer spells and beastly hot for days on end.

I remember back in the 1980’swhen one of my uncles bought a Crown Victoria car with air conditioning. He was so proud of that but only put the air on twice a summer he’d brag.

I have watched a transition in the wild plant life over the decades. Even in areas that have had no development or changes the once mossy and fern covered land has sprouted daisies and hawkweeds.

When we were kids back in the 1970’s if the mercury rose about 80 degrees, everybody loaded up the back of their trucks with kids and headed to the north shore area

of Little Bay de Noc. Moms, Dads, Grandmas and dogs went for an after-supper swim! It did not get over 80 often, so it was like a Yooper holiday.

So, while we wait for cooler weather let’s take it slowly. Respect those who must work outdoors in it. Pregnant moms and tiny infants need extra care in the steamy weather. Wildlife needs peace and quiet while they lie low on hot days.

Remember pets can suffer heat stroke too. Keep them calm and well-watered.

How many days until the first frost?