Dog Days of Summer

Last Dog Days of Summer are right around the corner, let’s hope. A myth about the Dog Days is that dogs react funny. I’ll say. My pup loves to lay on the concrete during the hottest time of the day. Is she trying for a deep suntan?

This year seems to be hotter than normal, but how soon we forget, in 2007 we had three days of a high temperature of 105 degrees.

Last year everyone was abuzz about where to see the total eclipse that would occur on August 21st. Luck was with us as my Nashville cousins lived in the direct path. We arrived at their house in east Nashville around 1 p.m. and the eclipse was already starting.

By 1:22 p.m. we were in total darkness and what a WOW moment. Not a sound, then birds started chirping, the temperature dropped in a matter of seconds by 11 degrees, some neighbors shot off fireworks, an airplane flew in the path and for some reason, we all started applauding and wiped away a tear.

In two minutes time, the sun started to emerge. Once again, nature proved supreme as millions will remember this day for the rest of their lives. That night at the Cracker Barrel restaurant, we saw groups of people dressed in identical tee shirts proclaiming their home countries, Brazil, Japan, and even Chicago, all coming together for this event.

Last day before school starts. Tomorrow students will be getting up early eager to start another year. Seeing friends, meeting teachers, maybe getting a locker for the first time and homework, all part of growing up.

Some of your friends you will know the rest of your life, some will only be in passing. Next week,I will be in my hometown, Millington, Tennessee, and eat lunch with a friend. We were in the first grade together. Enjoy your school years, they pass so quickly.