Cold Comfort: 1911

I wish it were possible to put out large blocks of ice to cool down here in Phoenix. Eight a.m. sees almost 90 degrees already. Those things would melt before a tongue even touched them.

I WISH it was hot enough to even think about licking ice here in Washington State. A balmy 48 with buckets of rain.

It was 97 degrees in Manhattan today. I didn't see anybody licking ice. I saw people walking very slowly. I heard the steady hum of air conditioning units, but no children in the streets of midtown. Perhaps in the familial neighborhoods of the city there were children on the streets under the gush of hydrants but it isn't a sure thing anymore. It's much easier to cool off now.

The ice looks just fine; the temperature touched 101 here today and those kids have the right idea. I could go for the Fancy Cheap Groceries, too. I miss Fancy Cheap Groceries.

I remember back in the 60's in Chicago we'd chase the milk trucks delivering in the neighborhood to beg some block ice to help with that oppressive heat and humidity...... and they were glad to give it out . He'd chip off a chunk to give to each kid and we'd be happy campers.

unsanitary.

Wow, what I would have given to be one of those kids on a hot day like today. I would have been happy to just sit on the ice!

[That was the line across the street. - Dave]