Chris, here, happy to join the Metrobloggers. Thought I’d jump in with a small discussion of a recurring local topic – the heat. Comments about our Arizona heat seem to surface in many places – local conversation, the Weather Channel, even the BBC. While I don’t exactly buy the “dry heat” thing, I can’t say it’s that much worse than those horribly sticky 85 degree/90 percent humidty days common to midwest summers. I relate Arizona summers to eastern winters spent in hibernation. Arizona summers create a hibernation of sorts, but at least we aren’t layerd in 2-1/2 tons of clothes. The sun is always shining and rain on the weekend is usually cause celebre, not an evil, plan-destroying plot. For those who like to self-indulge as a reward for heat endurance, I recently discovered a new treat — gelato. It’s an Italian dessert, much like ice cream, that is silky smooth and comes in an amazing variety of flavors. It has about 1/3 the calories of premium ice cream but doesn’t seem even a little bit like diet food. My first-ever dish was consumed at Gelato Spot, northwest corner of 32nd St and Camelback. My last two trips have been to Angel Sweet, Dobson Rd and Chandler Blvd. I found the gelato at both places equally delicious and suggest that convenience be your guide. I’ve heard there is a gelato place off the new 202 at Gilbert Rd.; however, Google hasn’t found them yet. I did find reference to Aunt Lena’s Creamery, a gelato place opening in the Fulton Ranch Towne Center, Arizona Blvd and Ocotillo Road. Maybe my source had her locations mixed up? Regardless, I highly recommend a trip to your nearest gelato emporium – reward yourself for being a stalwart, uncomplaining, heat-bearing Arizonan (Arizonian? Arizone? Have we had this discussion?)