July – a great month for celebrations!

July, when the “Dog Days” start, is a month full of celebrations in the US. Here’s a short list of the month-long celebrations:

  • National Picnic Month
  • National Hot Dog Month
  • National Baked Bean Month
  • National Blueberry Month
  • National Ice Cream Month
  • National Recreation Month
  • Anti-Boredom Month

All of these celebrations are meant to help bring you and your family out of the air conditioning and away from the electronics to have fun and relieve the boredom that afflicts kids after only a few short weeks of summer vacation.

A great idea for breaking up the “dog days” doldrums: pack your picnic basket and go out to a local park. If it’s within easy reach, visit one of your state or national parks. If they’ve got grills available (be sure to check ahead), bring along some hot dogs for grilling. Don’t forget plenty of liquids.

 

No Comments »

Dog Days of Summer

You know it’s summer when the temperature and humidity rise well above the average for the year.  The “Dog Days,”   are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. Did you know that the name comes from the ancient (Romans and Greeks) belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was responsible for the hot weather because of its close proximity to the sun.

According to the Old Farmers Almanac, the Dog Days start about July 3 and end about August 11.

Are you “cool as a cucumber” in the heat?

How do you do it, other than air conditioning?

Who gets hotter – kids or adults?

Share your tips for being cool and comfortable (or less uncomfortable) when the days are hot and sultry.

No Comments »