The Dog Days of Summer

Last week our area experienced a prolonged summer power outage. Fortunately, ours only went out for a few hours. It was just another reminder of how grateful I am to have lights, food, shelter and AIR CONDITIONING! My mom, who was lucky to have no interruption in her electricity, reminded me that as a child, we didn't have air conditioning during the "Dog Days of Summer" and that most of the world exists without it. That's one memory I am keeping blocked.

How did we come up with the "Dog Days of Summer" anyway?

Although the heat of summer is mainly due to the tilt of the Earth, many ancient cultures believed that Sirius, the “dog star", contributed to the heat of the Midwest and Northern regions during this time of year. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky this time of year. It rises and sets with the sun. During late July it is in conjunction with the sun. The period of time 20 days before and 20 days after became known as the "Dog Days".

Whatever the cause, the "Dog Days of Summer" are here for another couple of weeks. I'm embracing the hot sultry weather while it's here, surrendering to bad hair days and a whole lot of sweat. January 1st will be here before you know it and so will the cold, frosty nights of winter.

The "Dog Days of Summer" occur from roughly July 3 through August 11, which means we have another 2 weeks of high heat indexes. Like my Akita and my Aussie Shepherd I'm taking it easy. You'll find me living my bliss where it's nice and cool; sitting in the shade, turning up the A/C, and chllin' by the pool. Woof Woof!

P.S. How are you keeping your cool and living your bliss during the "Dog Days of Summer"?