Here's some ways to identify a Yuman

You might be a Yuman if ...

• You can harvest four crops a year on the same plot of land.

• Your favorite restaurants start with “El” and “Los.”

• You think salsa goes on everything.

• You can take a hot shower using only your cold water faucet.

• Your out-of-town friends and relatives start to visit in October but clear out before the end of April.

• Motor homes travel to and from your community in caravans.

• The population of your community is six times larger in January than it is in July.

• You know a swamp cooler is not a happy hour drink.

• You can attend any function wearing shorts and a tank top.

• You break out your sweaters and coats when the temperature drops below 70 degrees.

• The water in your pool is warmer than your body temperature.

• You would give anything to be able to splash COLD water on your face.

• The four seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot and ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

• When you talk with your Northern friends about the hot weather, you always say “but it's a dry heat.”

• Someone mentions the county fair and your thoughts immediately turn to cinnamon rolls.

• People may be willing to fight over a parking space in the shade.

• During the winter months, people may be willing to fight for just any parking space.

• You know which dollar stores and thrift stores have the good stuff and best bargains.

• There are jam sessions at nearly every RV park.

• There are more RV parks than grocery stores.

• The city council passed an ordinance against crowing roosters in the city.

• You live on the “West Coast” of Arizona.

• Sand storms are common.

• Your windshield is pitted from blowing sand.

• Whenever it rains, it's reported on the front page of the newspaper.

• People are adamant about the constitutional right to bear arms.

• You learn dozens of recipes to serve dates.

• Dashboard covers are not optional.

• You can stargaze at the clear night sky from your yard.

• There's a water park in the middle of the desert.

I'd love to see other humorous additions to this list.

Alice Swanson

Yuma