2017-06-21

Summer Solstice 2017

Sunset

    
So now we're getting into the real hotness of global warming. The summer season is always one with which I have to contend with a double barreled approach.

First I run the air conditioner to keep things relatively cool compared to the outside.

Second, I run a dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity as low as practical to increase the effectiveness of the HVAC unit.

I find this has worked satisfactorily for the past decade plus I've maintained the approach.

I recall times when the condenser would become full of water due to allergens in the evaporate. Now I have tablets added to the condenser to dispatch these prior to their becoming problematic.

The first day of Summer rolls in today, Wednesday, June 21st. This is marked by the summer solstice, that time when the Sun reaches its northernmost point from the equator.

The weather watchers, seasonal historians, and other meterological buffs are already touting the total solar eclipse which transpires 2 months later on August 21st.

The time varies depending on which time zone you find yourself within:

Wednesday, June 21, 12:24 A.M. EDT
Tuesday, June 20, 11:24 P.M. CDT
Tuesday, June 20, 10:24 P.M. MDT
Tuesday, June 20, 9:24 P.M. PDT

My memories of the beginning of Summer are many and varied. I recall a time when I looked forward to Summer's arrival because it meant trips to the beach and cavorting with friends in venues primarily having water features.

As time progressed and I became more of a "land locked" individual I grew less and less anticipatory of Summer and now I've reached the point that it's primary meaning in my life is heat and humidity.

In fact, the humidity has been with us a while now and is a force with which to be reckoned unto itself. For this reason alone I maintain a 70 pint dehumidifier which has began operation early this year. Typically August starts the serious timeframe for it's use.

All in all I view Summer as one of those months that prepare me for the autumn of the year and accompanying winter months with those cooler temperatures I really enjoy.