It's August and that means the "Dog Days" are back. Just like that big old hound in the picture, it's weather that some say is unfit for man or beast and there is no place that it is felt more than here in Florida, the Sunshine State. On days like these the temperature routinely goes into the 90's with humidity at the same level. Walk or run, sit or stand, it's just plain old uncomfortably hot. I grew up in Virginia and thought it could be pretty hot there, then I spent a good portion of my college years in Arizona where it was also hot but there was almost no humidity. Nowhere I have lived, including overseas, makes the challenge of August more daunting than here Florida, and even after being a resident for over eighteen years do I don't find it to be a month that I look forward to.
And we find another issue at this time of year that brings us even more concern. August is the beginning of the critical part of the hurricane season when the big storms get fired up near the coast of Africa, build steam as they slowly trek across the Atlantic, and finally put all of us on edge in the Southeast wondering if this will be the "Big One". After a while you just accept it, take it in stride, make sure you have some nonperishable food and water on hand to cover a week or so and, finally, check and make sure your property insurance is up to date.
There is also a bright side to this time of year that needs to be mentioned. Even in August, if you get up early in the morning and walk outside, the air is cool, the birds begin to sing, and the Eastern sky breaks out in beautiful hues from gray to purple to golden as the sun begins to rise slowly. In the dark of evening, the sky breaks out its beautiful starry majesty and you just kind beat a full August moon.
Looking forward on the calendar, we know that the weather will begin to change in about six weeks or so and return Florida to that wonderful place with the warm days and cool nights. Fall and Winter in Florida are marvelous and the oppressive heat will disappear over the horizon before too long.
In the meantime, the best way to deal with the heat is get your "heavy lifting" outdoor chores for the day done early so that you can avoid the hot sun from late morning to mid-afternoon and then the wonderful Atlantic sea breeze generally starts to come in and begin the natural cooling cycle with some drenching thunder boomers followed by late day clearing.
I guess it's just God's way of telling us to never look at the glass being half empty; always look at it as being half full. And by mid to late September it will start filling to the brim and overflow. Then it becomes the Florida where so many of us who have chosen to live. Another rendition of "God's country" returns to life and outdoor activities become truly enjoyable again.
Dear Lord, We thank you for the wonders of nature and the cycles of seasons and life that you have brought to us. Help us to always look at the good side of things and remember that there is a reason for all of the things you do and a purpose for all you have given us. Make us always mindful of the beauty of Thy creation and the love that Thou has shown us in creating it for us to enjoy. Bless us and keep us in Thy love and spirit always, Amen.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, always appreciate what you have and remember where it came from. God bless you and God bless America. Have a safe and productive day.
And we find another issue at this time of year that brings us even more concern. August is the beginning of the critical part of the hurricane season when the big storms get fired up near the coast of Africa, build steam as they slowly trek across the Atlantic, and finally put all of us on edge in the Southeast wondering if this will be the "Big One". After a while you just accept it, take it in stride, make sure you have some nonperishable food and water on hand to cover a week or so and, finally, check and make sure your property insurance is up to date.
There is also a bright side to this time of year that needs to be mentioned. Even in August, if you get up early in the morning and walk outside, the air is cool, the birds begin to sing, and the Eastern sky breaks out in beautiful hues from gray to purple to golden as the sun begins to rise slowly. In the dark of evening, the sky breaks out its beautiful starry majesty and you just kind beat a full August moon.
Looking forward on the calendar, we know that the weather will begin to change in about six weeks or so and return Florida to that wonderful place with the warm days and cool nights. Fall and Winter in Florida are marvelous and the oppressive heat will disappear over the horizon before too long.
In the meantime, the best way to deal with the heat is get your "heavy lifting" outdoor chores for the day done early so that you can avoid the hot sun from late morning to mid-afternoon and then the wonderful Atlantic sea breeze generally starts to come in and begin the natural cooling cycle with some drenching thunder boomers followed by late day clearing.
I guess it's just God's way of telling us to never look at the glass being half empty; always look at it as being half full. And by mid to late September it will start filling to the brim and overflow. Then it becomes the Florida where so many of us who have chosen to live. Another rendition of "God's country" returns to life and outdoor activities become truly enjoyable again.
Dear Lord, We thank you for the wonders of nature and the cycles of seasons and life that you have brought to us. Help us to always look at the good side of things and remember that there is a reason for all of the things you do and a purpose for all you have given us. Make us always mindful of the beauty of Thy creation and the love that Thou has shown us in creating it for us to enjoy. Bless us and keep us in Thy love and spirit always, Amen.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, always appreciate what you have and remember where it came from. God bless you and God bless America. Have a safe and productive day.
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