Dog(gie) Days of Summer
August 11, 2024
Oof. It is hot here, y’all. I live in Texas, close to the Gulf Coast, and in August we get that 107° 75-pound/psi air. AKA humidity. It’s heavy and wet and gross. It feels like trying to breathe underwater. It’s…well, you get the picture. Anyway, August in Texas calls for a few lifestyle tweaks, like switching from an outdoor walk to some quality time with the treadmill in an air-conditioned gym, cold suppers or using the grill outdoors instead of turning on the oven. It’s time for chilled pinot grigios and cool cocktails, and perfectly ripe pears with lemon sorbet for dessert.
Favorite Summer Salad
choice of salad greens (romaine, spinach, red leaf, butter lettuce)
fresh leafy herbs like mint and basil
toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or pine nuts
sliced avocado
fresh berries
grilled chicken
choice of dressing (I like Ranch dressing or a sweet-ish vinaigrette)
drink with something cool like a pinot grigio or lemonade
As per the post title, mid-August here means we are in the Dog Days of Summer, defined by The Farmers’ Almanac as “…a period of particularly hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere. This period of sweltering weather coincides with the year’s heliacal (meaning “at sunrise”) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris—the “Greater Dog”—which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name, Alpha Canis Majoris. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, not including our own Sun”.
The beautiful boy in this week’s cover photo is Dio, who graciously allows us to share a home with him. I’m pretty sure that in this photo, he’s pondering why dumb humans are in charge. Or maybe he’s just thinking about dog stuff. Food and sleep and LOOK THERE’S A SQUIRREL and does he need to pee and more food and more sleep.
While Dio is thinking his dog thoughts in the cool air-conditioning, the humans are busy. I’m deep in Create Mode on some nice squishy pillows for Fall and Planning Mode for holiday products.
Just playing with Fall and Winter fabrics brings my temp down a few degrees. Heck, I’ve even been playing around with some flannels!
But wait - how is the year almost three-quarters over? Didn’t we just put the Christmas decorations away like, last week?! Ack! Alright…settle down, Bonnie. Do not panic. Everything’s okay. Ohhkaay, and we’re breathing.
Phew. Well, whether you’re being lazy today (and if so, yay you!!) or keeping busy, please consider these Ways to Survive Summer:
Hydrate. Please.
Keep some damp washcloths or fresh-scented facial wipes in the fridge. When you come in from the merciless heat, apply to face and neck to cool down.
Be nice. Everyone’s kinda hot and irritable, not just you.
Carry on. These days of triple-digit temperatures and dripping humidity will end. Eventually.
Take a nap with your own bright doggie star, one of our Scottie Dog Pillows, made of cool cotton and imminently squishable!
Until next week, carry on!
❤️ Bonnie
