The Dog Days of Summer.
Contrary to popular belief, the peculiar name for this time of year has
nothing to do with the weather that “isn’t fit for a dog.” Actually, Dog Days refers to the one- to
two-month interval in which a particularly bright star rises and sets with the
sun, shining during the daylight hours but remaining hidden at night. This
bright star is known as Sirius, the Dog Star or Alpha Canis Majoris. The first
reference to the star comes from the seventh century BC, translating to “searing”
or “scorching.” Sound familiar? My grass thinks so.
It’s not all bad though. Many plants like the hot nights (my
green peppers are producing like crazy). And the scorching hot days are great
opportunities to jump in the lake, enjoy ice-cold watermelon and laze around in
the hammock.
Maybe I will look for the star while I am there.
