I just read that this past June broke all records world-wide for heat – in fact, it was the hottest decade ever recorded since 1870, when scientists started monitoring weather patterns. Here in Mazatlán, though, it’s kind of been the opposite – cooler than normal – and only yesterday the temperatures and humidity started to soar. Global warming, global cooling: It’s all related, and in the bigger scope of things, much more significant than the daily temperature in our little part of the planet. With the release of the "State of the Climate" report, compiled annually by more than 300 top scientists from 48 countries, headlines everywhere are screaming that there’s no doubt global warming exists and is a rapidly growing problem for all of us, everywhere. Water supply, agriculture, health and specifically coastal cities are most susceptible – or already experiencing – deleterious effects of this climate change.

Despite the gloomy global picture, in my little world, my summer routines have set in again, to accommodate the midday blaze which stretches almost into sunset, with ripples of heat wavering off the streets, cars and very sand of the beach. The mini-split is my new best friend, and its beeps and whirs bring a contented smile to my face, like hearing piropos – sweet nothings - from a lover.

We who stay can giggle at the sweating patterns, both our own and others’, marking our garments with odd dark designs, not just under the arms, but bands across belly and back and elsewhere. Dripping shins and forearms (Whoever heard of such a thing?!), and foreheads and cheeks running with so much water that the traditional Mexican greeting has to be abandoned. We’ve dug out our stock of little washcloths and tucked them into purses and pockets, ready to pat and wipe and try to salvage some semblance of decorum while we’re in public.

My clothes, hands and floors are sprinkled with baby powder, a blessed relief from the day-to-day stickiness that comes from so much sweating, and I’ve ceased to be concerned about the stripes of white that have become as much a part of my wardrobe as the light, loose cotton clothing I’m grateful for. I spend more time than usual indoors, bursting out of the house at sunset, desperate for social interaction with a live person, yet so happy with my life here in Mazatlán.

A reminder: this is our August/September combined issue. It's packed full of everything you've come to expect from M! and I'm sure you'll have happy reading. And don’t forget you can check in with us on Facebook and the M! website, too.

We'll see you in October for the start of the new season. Have a great summer y que te vaya bien!

Janet