I can't wait to see pictures of your sculpture- you do AMAZING work!!!
109?? Whew- I don't miss those days. I grew up in SW AZ and don't miss that blasted heat one teeny bit. When you live there you become acclamated to it and it's not so bad (really- I remember one summer it was mid 120's for a week and then when it dropped down to the low 100's it felt like a cold front had come through). However, if you don't live there and you visit- you just might die.
I went to Laughlin a few years ago in April and thought I might die- and it wasn't as hot as you endured- and I got to be in the shade.
I can't believe you had to work on asphalt in no shade. Insane!!! So glad you're back in the land of 50's and cool!
Have fun in Detroit (but have even more fun going "solo").