Dog Days of Summer

A Little Dogball Anyone?

Well, here we are in the Dog Days of summer. I'm not sure what that means. I think I read somewhere that it has to do with the position of the "dog star" in the summer sky. I do know that dogs have a tough time in the heat of August. Some say that summer's heat is not fit weather, even for a dog. I like the hot weather, assuming that I don't have to spend too much time outdoors. I like to read my paper out on the porch in the morning. Along about 11:00 AM, I head indoors to the A/C.

We had a bit of bad luck this summer. My heat pump began losing Freon. The repairman had to add over 6 pounds of the stuff. He said when he drove up to the house he saw this huge whole in the sky. I hope the EPA doesn't have me investigated. Anyway, we decided to buy a whole new unit. They installed it this week. Now, in addition to my doctors, my dentists, and my audiologist, I bought a "boat" for my A/C man. Where will it all end? I guess I should be thankful this happened in the summer instead of in winter when I am in Florida. Even the dog days have their brighter side.

This is the time of year when the Philadelphia Phillies usually struggle. After staying in first place until after the all-star break, they are now struggling to stay in the hunt. The Orioles have faded completely. The dog days are hard on my baseball teams. However, my favorite softball team, the "Lancaster Church of the Brethren Blues" won the Hempfield Slowpitch Softball League championship. They went through the playoffs undefeated. I am somewhat biased, but I think my son Jim should have won the MVP honors at 3rd base.

My daughter has the cutest little dog. It is a "Lhasa Apsa." I'm not sure I spelled it right. He sure likes to come over to our house. He goes crazy when he gets in the door. Maybe he likes my A/C. I just hope the homeowners association at The Oaks doesn't kick me out for having a dog for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. I'll just tell them, "Why, didn't you know? This is the Dog Days of summer." Well, keep cool, everyone.