My home thermometer showed a reading of 121 degrees around 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
Even though I’ve always liked the summer heat, that seems to have changed after my Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.
Being out in the summer heat really drains me now.
Speaking of the DBS I had a tense feeling in my left hand for about five months. I finally have some relief from it after seeing the new DBS specialist, Dr. Mehta, at the Mayo Clinic.
He suggested lowering my setting on the left side of my body. Almost immediately my constricted left hand released its tenseness. He said the condition is called dystonia.
Now we are seeking a balance between the stimulator and medication. The combination of a lower setting and the heat caused me some trouble getting from the museum to the parking lot after a meeting last Tuesday.
I was shuffling along at a snail’s pace when an unidentified Good Samaritan gave me some assistance getting to an awaiting vehicle. In all the confusion, I didn’t get the gentleman’s name that assisted me. I thank you and would like to buy you lunch.
-------
Diane and I attended a tribute to Fort McDowell Tribal President Dr. Clinton Pattea on Saturday evening. He has been in poor health lately, so his family wanted to hold a celebration for him recognizing his many achievements and contributions to his tribe and education.
Tribal Vice President Bernadine Burnett read a proclamation recognizing his many achievements and announced the tribal council had made the decision to name their governmental office building in his honor.
A video on his life was shown and there were performances by Hopi dancers from Second Mesa and the crown dancers from White River. There were dignitaries on hand from other tribes, the Governor’s office, U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, State Rep. John Kavanagh and Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh.
The evening concluded with an announcement by Pattea’s son, Steven, who said his father had formed a foundation with the goal of raising money for education.
The event was held at the Fort McDowell Radisson Resort.
-------
You can watch the fireworks at Fort McDowell tonight, July 3rd, and then take in the activities at Fountain Park on July 4th.
Presented for the second year in a row by Elkie Kniffen Promotions, the Fountain Park activities are planned for the enjoyment of the entire family.
Highlight of the event will be a night-time performance by the Arizona Skyhawks Parachute Team.
-------
The tragedy near Yarnell on Sunday should remind us of the danger our firefighters potentially face every time they get a call.
It should also keep us on the lookout for any wildfires in our area.
The desert is bone dry and any little spark could easily set off a dangerous wildfire.
