Midge and Jake Beat the Heat

    Midge strolled along the sidewalk, stopping along the way to Jake’s so she could drink from the little pool of water at the end of the driveway at the corner house.  She slowly walked up the sidewalk to the porch and plopped down on the porch in front of the lounge chair.

    “Hi Midge,” said Jake. “What is the matter?  You look really hot and tired already this morning.  Are you okay?”

    “This heat is awful today, don’t you think?” asked Midge.  “I think today is the hottest day out there.”

    “It sure has gotten hot today,” said Jake.   “I heard my mistress saying something about it going to be in the 90’s today.  That must be awfully hot.”

    “I think so and this is just the morning.  How is it going to feel this afternoon?  I don’t get very far when I get so thirsty and need a drink of water,”  said Midge.

    “Do you want to go to the park and play with Snappy?” asked Jake.

    “Okay,” said Midge.  “But I want to rest a few minutes before we go over there.  I’m hot and tired.  It might be cooler by the pond under the shade trees.”

    Midge closed her eyes and rested a while before the two started their walk to the park.  They drank from Jake’s water dish and then strolled to the park trying to stay in the shade along the way.  The sun was so hot beating down on them.  Under the tall shade tree near the pond, they found Snappy sleeping on a rock.

    “Hey Snappy!” called Midge as they got close to him.

    “Hi Midge, Hi Jake,” said Snappy as he opened his eyes. “Excuse me for not getting up to greet you.  This heat is just too hot this morning and I don’t feel like moving today.”

    “How about a swim to cool off?” asked Jake.

    “Now that sounds like a good idea to me,” said Midge and Snappy nodded his head in agreement.

    The three ran to the water’s edge and jumped in.  They splashed each other with the water, laughing and having a good time.

   “This sure beats the heat,” said Snappy.  “The water is really refreshing.” 

    “This was a good idea Jake,” said Midge.  "The water helps cool us off.  I could stay in here all day."

    From the branch above came Gabby swooping down and sat on the ground along the edge of the pond.

   “Hi guys,” said Gabby.  “What are you doing?”

   “Trying to keep cool,” said Midge.  "The water feels good.  Want to come in Gabby?"

   “Looks like fun,” said Gabby as he flew down to the water's edge and stuck his feet in and splashed the water on himself.

   The four friends spent the afternoon keeping cool in the pond.