Simmer, the mind’s picture relating to the word is of something very warmed up, but not yet boiling over, as in a cooking procedure for making a soup.
BUT– the image conjured up in relation to this past summers experiences was different. My “mind’s eye” sees a person laying on a tepid set of sheets, in a sweltering, sticky humid environment, with a constant sheen of sweat emitting from every pore of the body. These were the conditions endured for ten days straight following the devastation of our community by Hurricane Harvey on August 25th.
The storm roared and slashed for fourteen hours, winds were between 120 and 150 mph at the peak, and not much of the town was spared. The following day and a half were not too bad, a seemingly gentle breeze, very slight drizzles on occasion, and temps in mid 70’s.
But then it turned vicious! Temps went into the mid 90″s, the sun was full on, and the winds dropped to just barely moving. Of course, the wind was a crucial factor as all electrical power and water were out, no fans were operating, nor were there lights except flashlights. One could only towel the rivulets of sweat from one’s body, use some tepid water to wet the towel and help rinse the saltiness off. The pillowcases and bedsheets were soaking within hours even at night and with no water, it just had to be endured.
With nothing to do but read a book, sitting next to the open windows, just hoping for a fair breeze, the human condition was rightfully described as “simmering”.
Wickedrevs Windy World 