The Time It Never Rained

"The Time It Never Rained" is one of my favorite novels. It is set against the backdrop of the actual seven year drought that impacted much of Texas in the 1950's. Written by Elmer Kelton, a native of San Angelo in West Texas, it tells the story of Charlie Flagg, a rancher who deals as best he can with a series of of misfortunes all directly attributable to the lack of rain. The protagonist can be ornery as he culls the herd, refuses to take government handouts and but keeps his dignity while treating the Mexican migrants with more compassion than most.

Fast forward to 2011. I don't believe we have seen any appreciable rain in at least two months. From today's Fort Worth Star Telegram:

"The temperature hit 100 degrees at DFW Airport at 2 p.m. Sunday, the 23rd straight day of triple-digit temperatures.

And that might be the good news.

The forecast calls for highs from 103 to 105 through Wednesday and around 100 through Saturday, which, if true, would move the summer of 2011 into a tie for second on the all-time list of consecutive 100-degree days.

Of course, the record is 42 days, set in 1980."

The heat is one thing; drought is a whole other matter. We water the lawn about three times per week and it is still turning brown. At this stage, I am about to throw in the towel and save the water for something more purposeful. It will not be long before the restrictions start; in fact, I am surprised conservation methods are not already in effect, given the forecast.

The Rev. Horton Heat sings "There ain't no Saguaro in Texas" but it might not be long folks.