In praise of parasols

Shiny!

While their methodology is suspect at best, the Weather Channel is not far wrong in naming D.C. one of the sixth hottest cities in the United States.

You don't have to tell me.  There's nothing like standing at the bus stop in the morning, hoping that salty tears and humid air will be enough to keep my flesh from bursting into flames.



But if there's one thing I learned from two winters in Chicago, it's that dignity and fashion have no place in extreme weather.  I finally took a page from my friend Irene, and embraced the parasol.  It's made all the difference.  Our great-great grandmothers so had it right.

Heat index of 102 you say?  Pshaw.

Easy like a Sunday morning

Still feeling awkward at the idea of popping open your umbrella when there's not a cloud in the sky?  It's okay.  You just need to start small and work up to it.