Where we talk about summer, safety and making good decisions.
Well, well, welcome back to the Mailbag.
July is here (already?) and its time for another holiday, and boy does everybody need it.

Juneteenth happened far less than a month ago and it already feels like its been ages.
Weve had brutal storms across the state and close to home we had a couple of towns ravaged by tornadoes. Just for good measure, Mother Nature tossed us a record-setting heat wave and everybody that didnt lose power to a storm system got to play a fun game of “Will my AC keep working?”
In Lubbock, those of us trying to have a green thumb got a handy reminder that the “full sun” designation on the plants at Lowes and Home Depot doesnt mean here, more than a couple people had windshields and rooftops damaged by massive hailstones and, if were being honest, just walking to the car from the office in afternoon heat has been a chore.
It's been hot folks.
But it looks like the weather is going to cooperate with us for the Fourth of July. Right now its looking like well be in double digits for temperatures and (knocks on wood) maybe even in the high 80s for much of Tuesday.

Now, we get it. That kind of weather is a godsend after the warmth of the past few weeks, particularly if youre planning on being outside for some day long celebrations.
And were with you. We plan on enjoying our day out as well, but were here to offer a few words of caution.
First: Drink plenty of water.
It may feel downright cool Tuesday, so you wouldnt be blamed for thinking the risk of dehydration was low, but the main toxin in adult beverages isnt going to help you stay hydrated. Sprinkle in a bottle of water from time to time.
You can thank me for that little tip later.
Second: Wear your sunscreen.
Theres a chance for some storms Tuesday morning and the clouds might linger into your planned activities. Dont let that gray sky fool you, much like my garden, your skin can take a beating even if that bright sun is trying to hide behind the clouds.

Third: Be careful with the explodey things.
Fireworks can be a lot of fun, but we caution you to use them wisely. Ive had more than one friend suffer from a poorly executed bottle-rocket toss and have myself been forced to seek the cover of a flatbed trailer to avoid the shrapnel sent in the air by a lit fuse blowing into a box of fireworks.
And – for the record – be kind to your neighbors and their dogs. The Fourth can be a traumatic event for our four-legged friends, so try to show a bit of respect to their tender little ears.
We wish you all the happiest of days celebrating the birth of this great nation of ours.
If youre on the road, safe travels and well see you all when you get back.
Happy Fourth of July Red Raider nation!
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