Dog Days of Summer

There is such a thing. Historically known as the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dog and bad luck. We are definitely in it.

It certainly has been hotter than normal across the world. I don’t know about you but I am not good with the heat and humidity. I am actually averse to it.

Reading about climate change and the warming of the planet has me on Realtor.com looking for homes in the far north where glaciers are just beginning to experience melt. According to research, the western US drought is bad. Ninety percent of the west, which includes California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana are currently experiencing severe or exceptional drought conditions. Fires are raging in several states.

Thunderstorms are routine in the summer but studies show that more frequent, intense storms have become more common with research confirming the shift linked to climate variability. Just look at the hurricanes in the south and west. They may not be terribly more frequent but they are getting stronger. And, oh dear Haiti with an earthquake and tropical storms back to back, how will you fare?

I haven’t heard of any mad dog sightings lately but I will tell you that one night last week, as I lay in bed trying to get to sleep, there was a wild animal of some sort under my window taking the life of another animal. By the way, I don’t live deep in the woods.

As far as fever goes, I don’t have one but many people do. Our ICU beds are filled again with the Covid Delta variant. This pandemic seems far from nearing an end. I know everyone is exhausted by all that goes into staying healthy while trying to live a reasonably normal life. March 2020 to today is 18 months. I applaud all of you who remain vigilant and I pray every day for the front end hospital workers who carry such a heavy burden. To the families who have lost or will lose loved ones to this dreadful virus, I have no words meaningful enough to comfort them.

There is enough lethargy to go around these days. Defined as a lack of energy or enthusiasm, lethargy seems present to some degree in everyone I know. The world has been kicked in the pants these last 18 months. To top it off we just added the humanitarian issues related to the US withdrawal from Afghanistan to our plates. I will not comment on the politics. The totality of it will wear anyone down. Throw in some Ida to end the last full month of summer and I find some space on my prayer list to add all the people who are affected.

The bad luck is happening to so many and all we can do is continue to support them in whatever way we can. Being kind and opening our hearts, and in some instances our wallets, to those that are hurting is what it is all about. Watching the kindness of people toward their fellow humans around the globe is inspiring. Look for the stories. Be a part of the stories!

Even in these dog days of summer we find ways to move forward with positivity and hope.

As we head into Fall, may the remainder of your summer be filled with good experiences, good health and as much cheer as you can muster. There are better days ahead.

Love and Peace,

Melissa