The Dog Days of Summer

Ah, yes, the dog days of summer are upon us, and, man, is it hot! Webster’s describes the dog days as the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere. It is also described as a period of stagnation or inactivity.

Summer time? Stagnant and inactive? Whoever said that must not have had kids.
For many of us it is time to get out and have picnics, eat watermelon, make ice cream and grill burgers.

Just last month, we experienced the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. In our area a nice hard downpour accompanied this event. Fortunately, the deluge served to cool things down, which as we all know is not always the case in Florida. In fact, sometimes after a splash of rain, the day is actually more sweltering.

Despite the heat, a large number of us native Floridians (I happen to be second generation native Miamian) enjoy getting out and doing things, like hitting the beach or driving to the mountains or sitting in front of a barbeque grill. Truth be told, I enjoy sitting in the shade with a cool drink in hand, tending to my grill.

While gazing into the flames, I ponder grand thoughts. What is the nature of the universe? Who will refresh my drink? Will my wife bring me my special long-handled spatula so I can turn these burgers?

And, just what is gelato, anyway?

As it turns out, Laura Wright — the latest addition to the Senior Times family — can tell us. She visited a local gelateria to learn more about this frozen concoction hailed by some as an alternative to ice cream. I have not tried it yet, but summer seems as good a time as ever.
With the summer months also comes hurricane season, which means it’s time to make sure our homes are safe, our trees are trimmed, and we have the proper supplies in case the power goes out.

This month, Senior Times provides a hurricane primer, so you may better prepare yourself for a potentially active hurricane season.

We also continue our series of profiles honoring veterans. Jessica McHugh visited with World War II Veteran Colonel Phil Newman to learn about his experiences as a bomber pilot, and to hear what he has been doing with his time since he helped put an end to the War to End All Wars. Among other things, Col. Newman and his wife Aurelia stay busy visiting schools to teach students about World War II.

So find some shade, fire up the grill and sit back and read a while — but don’t let those burgers burn.

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