It’s not easy keeping cool when the heat and humidity conspire to drain you of your energy and motivation.
Snowshoe hares know how to make the most of the dog days of summer by relaxing in the clover. They’re not running and hopping around as much as they did earlier this summer.
My yard is a haven for them as I don’t have a dog. Hares know how to stay cool by winding down activities and keeping a low profile.
In ancient times, the dog star Sirius was considered responsible for the sweltering heat. Back then, its coincidental rising with the sun in July and August was thought to bring on the worst in men and beasts.
But there are many ways to tame the beast within during these ravaging hot days…
Taking a moment to pause and smell the roses is always a good way to refresh yourself through scent and beauty. The wild rose bush is in bloom in my yard. With its single layer of petals, it resembles the Dog rose (Rosa canina) often used in heraldry.
Even if you don’t have roses nearby, so many other beautiful flowers are in bloom at this time of year, both in gardens and in the wild.
Certainly one of the best ways to beat the heat is to take a stroll along the seashore. Morning and evening walks are especially refreshing.
Collecting seashells along the shore is a quiet activity sure to take the focus off the concerns of the day.
Over the years I’ve collected a variety of Dogwinkles (Nucella lapilus) both at Rainbow Haven and Silver Sands beaches. Worn smooth by the waves and bleached pale by the sun, they even feel like summer as you roll them between your fingers.
Of course the best way to be refreshed during the dog days of summer is to take a plunge in the water, be it a stream, lake or the sea. Nature beckons.
I’m with the hares. Hunker down in the clover and doze. Of course, my yard is full of dogs, so it is not as restful as it might be.
The swim raft looks irresistible. Cool images all the way around, Amy.
I’m with hunkering down in the clover with the hares too Gerry. I just hope they don’t have fleas
As for me, I love these days….I try to get my gardening and dog-walking done in the cool mornings and then laze in the sun with a good book during the hot part of the day. And what a very cool name for those lovely little shells – ‘dogwinkles’ – it made me smile! Even Lake Superior is warm this year (relatively
) – I don’t usually go in until August, but have already quenched myself a few times. I would probably be found lazing on that raft if I were there.
Cindy, ‘dogwinkle’ is a pretty sweet name. Only the tidepools feel warm here so far but I’m sure that will change come August.
Very good advice from our friends the Snow Hares. All dressed in their summer coats, too.
I have not been lazing around much myself. Why too many things to photograph lately.
Still, a nice walk on a beach in the early morning or evening would be charming.
Scott, it’s amazing what a morning or evening stroll along the beach can do for one’s disposition. It tends to put the rest of the busy day in perspective.
Love the hare photo. Lovely words. Lovely photos.
Splish, splash.
Thanks Sybil. We’ll have to go play at the beach sometime soon
The last photo looks very inviting… did you give in??
Swaps, no I didn’t go for a swim. I’ve only ever seen cormorants on that particular raft. It’s adrift in a tidal lake behind the beach.