Dog Days

The dog days of summer are upon us - traditionally the time the Sirius Star rises with the Sun - from mid July to mid August.

The Sirius star is known as the "Dog Star" and since its time comes during the usually hottest months of the years (July and August) its too hot to hug.

It's also called the dog days for the way people tend to act - lethargic, inactive, lazy.

We know what these days are like... even getting out of bed is enough to raise a sweat and the condensation on the outside of the glass of lemonade matches the sweat on our brow.

Too tired.

Too hot.

Too, too much!

To be fair, this summer hasn't really felt like that.  Here in Madison, we've only topped 90 on a couple of days so far with 70s stretching out toward the weekend.

But Dog Days aren't dependent on temperature alone, it can be the bored unhappy children who have "NOTHING" to do (despite being surrounded by books, toys, bikes, and videos) and parents who can't believe school STILL hasn't started.

The cooler temps of fall can rustle us out of the summer doldrums and eager to get stuff done or enjoy some more time outside before winter arrives.  

But I'm not sure the Dog Days are really weather dependent.  We might experience Dog Days at work and/or home almost any time when we are just too exhausted to do one more thing.

So celebrate now and later by grabbing a glass of lemonade, putting your feet up, relax, and close your eyes - the Dog Days will soon be past.