Dog Days

Summer is one of those times when everlasting memories are made. It is a time when a person can return to things or places they may only experience in June, July and August.

"Dog Days" is used for the most sultry period of summer. The origin comes from earlier times and was used by observers living in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea to describe the period of time that was 20 days before to 20 days after the conjunction of Sirius, the dog star, and the sun. And here I just thought it meant the time when the dog was the laziest because it was too hot to do anything in all that fur.

Here are some things that I love best about summer. Think of this list as a User's Guide to the Dog Days of Summer. Jump on in - relive the simple pleasures of your past or try something new - the water is cool.

1. The Beach -The smell of the tar on the boardwalk and French Fries, playing beach volleyball or beach bocce,  diving into the waves or riding them and the ding-ding of the boats at Funland.
2. The Pool - For floating on a raft, dunking in to cool off, doing handstands underwater, playing Marco Polo, or swimming laps - It's like a party everyday.
3. The County Fair - Two words - Funnel Cakes - Blue Ribbons - Fruit Pies - Monster Jam - Pick your poison.
4. Jigsaw Puzzles - All shapes and sizes.
5. Board Games - Even Chinese Checkers.
6. Lobster Rolls - Best and cheapest if eaten in Maine.
7. Summer Blockbuster's - Too hot to be outside - put on your favorite sweatshirt and catch a flick.
8. Hammock's - Under a shady tree with the birds chirping and the wind blowing.
9. Summer Reading - Trashy novels, wish lists, or school books - there is lots of time to sit and get lost in a good book.
10. Afternoon Thunder Storms - When you can see the steam coming off the street and maybe catch the glimpse of a rainbow.
11. Car Games and Sing A Longs - The Alphabet Game, Aunt Sally Went to the Market followed by a round of On Top of Spaghetti and 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.
11. Cool Treats - Ice Cream, Popsicles, Snow Cones and Clay Boys.
12. Maryland Crabs - THE BEST!
13. Rainy Day Movies - At home or in the theater.
14. Sprinklers - To water your garden, lawn, children and even you.
15. Time with family, friends, a good book, or alone - Hopefully, just a little extra time.

What's on your list?
Magda