The dog days of Summer

It was so hot at our house the past several days that it felt like you walked into an oven when you went outside or got out of the air conditioning. It is almost the end of July and we have hit the dog days of summer. I noticed yesterday evening that my potted flowers were suffering from the heat and all the plants look a little past their prime. I think we need some rain and some cooler weather.

After I finished with therapy yesterday, we decided to get into the pool to relax and paddle around for a while. When we took off the cover, we discovered that the water temp was 96 degrees! Much too warm (especially when it's 102 outside) to be swimming. We drained some and we added more cold water to the mix. When all was said and done, the water temp had only cooled to 94 degrees. It was still a tad warm to swim in but we love the pool. So, who's complaining?

I'm telling you, husband and I really have a terrible life. Working outside when we want to, swimming when we want to, staying inside when we want to, sleeping when we want to, going out to eat when we want to, being with friends when we want to, or going somewhere when we want to. It's almost too much to bear. We are getting spoiled.

Despite the heat and humidity, we have really enjoyed the warm weather and working out in the yard this year. I can't speak for husband, but I don't look forward to winter. No wonder people either become snow birds, move to warmer climes, or sell their houses, purchase RVs, and travel around following the sun and fun. We have several friends who travel to Texas for the winter, and one friend sold their house, bought a fifth-wheel, and plans to just travel at their whim. Must be nice. I'm too much of a traditionalist. Must have a permanent place to hang my hat. Drives husband crazy, but that's just me. I'm a nester.

Anyway, getting back to the dog days of summer. School starts here in about three weeks. When I was growing up, we didn't go back to school until after Labor Day. I think going back the beginning of August is way too early and much too hot. Kids should be able to be off enjoying themselves while the weather is still good. They start football here while the heat and humidity are way too high and too dangerous for the kids. That's just crazy as far as I'm concerned. Football is a cool-weather sport. I don't look forward to school starting again. We live just down the street from the high school and these kids use our street like they were running on a NASCAR track. My cats know to stay in the house when the kids are running up the street.

I hope you all are staying cool. For those who are going on vacation, coming back from vacation, or planning weekend trips to the lake, river, ocean, pond, or swimming pool, don't forget your sunscreen, hats, coverups, flipflops, beach towels, and pina coladas. Above all, stay cool and have fun. It's no fun suffering with a sunburn. For those who have elderly family, friends, or neighbors, be sure to check up on them to ensure their safety in this heat.