Ways you can tell summer has descended here in the Valley of the Sun:

* You get your first set of multiple 100-degree days;

* The workers tearing up the backyard of the neighbor next door (he’s had his grass area next to the pool torn up and is replacing it with a full stone patio complete with a full-size, walled-in stone barbecue) start work at 6 AM and finish at 1 PM;

* Hoping the workers tearing up the backyard of the neighbor next door to you are planning on taking the weekend off…

* Being VERY careful around dark objects that have been in the sun for any length of time;

* Remembering that the days of walking barefoot on any stone or concrete surface outside during the day are over with;

* …As are the days of leaving the windows open.

* Seeing the temperature of your swimming pool increase between 3-5 degrees a day;

* Knowing you can take a late-night swim before going to bed without having to take a towel with you to warm up after coming out.

* Realizing all your yardwork has to get done early in the day. Real early.

Ah yes, summer in the Valley of the Sun. Rules to live by until the weather breaks the second week of October. It’s gonna be a long, hot summer…