Recently, LV and I were talking, and she brought up 'the dog days of summer', and what it really means. I do think of that term a lot, and really feel like we're in the thick of the dog days of summer currently, but am I using it correctly? Why do we say that? I don't remember anyone every explaining it to me, it's just been one of those things I've always "known".
Everyday is just HOT right now. Like really hot. I'm tired of being hot, and have little motivation to get out there and get things done when it's this hot. I know 90% of people from other parts of the country are rolling their eyes at me right now because the Pacific Northwest doesn't know hot like most of the country does. I've grown up here, I'm not cut out for multiple days of nearly 100 temps! I will be the first one to admit I'm a huge baby when it comes to being too hot. Except if I'm on vacation. ;) It's a lot easier to deal with the sizzling temps when you're wearing a swimsuit by the pool with a pina colada in your had and the refreshing scent of tropical sunscreen in the air. ;) Its a whole different story when you are trying to look cute for work, run errands in a hot car, get all the things done, and there's no drink in your hand. haha.
It's especially roasty toasty at the barn, in the heat of the day, wearing boots and jeans, its just plain hot. Everyone is moving slower, and the horses just stand out there in the sun, looking like hot baked potatoes. When I get out there, my first mission is to find Zinc, and then the closest shade and think really cool thoughts. I was out there the other day, eating a late lunch I picked up while Zinc grazed on the grass - there was a little breeze, and it was SUPER peaceful..almost forgot it was 100 degrees out. But as I was sitting there trying to eat my burrito bowl and convince my horse that the grass was way better for him than what I was eating, I kept thinking that these are the dog days of summer. Everyone is exhausted from the heat, slower moving, and tired of being hot. Its nothing against summer, it just takes a lot out of you by this point. The days are larger, which means more hours to cram everything in, which also turns into more fatigue. All of our "intense" training will have to be on hold until it cools down a little bit. Zinc could handle it - it's me I'm worried about!! For now, it's quiet moments in the shade. That I can handle.
I turned to good old Google to look up exactly what The Dog Days of Summer are, and we are in fact in them right now. Wikipedia said, "The dog days or dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius (known colloquially as the "Dog Star"), which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. They are now taken to be the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere." That completely makes sense, but I had no idea it was tied to star systems! I always just pictured a big ol' dog with floppy ears trying to keep cool in the shade on a hot day, and those were the dog days. When even the dogs were too hot to do anything!
So here's to the Dog Days of Summer - and making the most of these hot days. Moving a little slower is okay! Although, I'm so tired of drinking water to try and stay hydrated in this heat. Ready to switch to pina coladas soon. ;) Why can't those provide hydration, too?! ;-)
xoxo,
AT
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