DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Here in Oklahoma City we are experiencing "The Dog Days of Summer". Just what does that mean? It refers to the hottest days of the summer and usually falls between early July and early September. This week we hit 100 degrees or higher. The TV weather forecasters say tomorrow will be 101 degrees and then drop into the mid 90's the remaining days of the week. Everything is parched and turning brown, and it seems as though just yesterday winter was here and we were wishing for spring. I remember as a child we had no home or automobile air conditioning and survived the heat, but HOW? We had to sleep outdoors on a pallet or in a screened-in porch. In Oklahoma, we usually have a breeze and by morning we kids were looking for covers or heading for our own beds just before the sun came up. The morning dew had already fallen by the time we headed indoors, so our bedding was left outside to dry. Today's children do not get to experience the fun we had lying under the stars and seeing who could tell the scariest ghost story before falling into a deep, peaceful sleep. Sometimes the ghost stories kept us from a peaceful sleep and we had to gather up our bedding and go inside to feel the safety of our surroundings. My family took many long and exhausting trips in our car with no air conditioning, and I can still feel the sting of that summer heat hitting me in the face as we happily drove on to our destination. Even as a young bride, I did not yet have a/c in my home or car either. I will never forget when we took a trip from Oklahoma City to Washington D.C., in the month of July, with car windows down and hot air blowing in around us and not once did we complain. We were just happy to be heading for our first look at our nation's capital. I guess in certain parts of the United States air conditioning is not important to have, but let me tell you, here in Oklahoma, you can't be without it.

I had a busy week and enjoyed every minute of it. There were a couple of birthdays in my family, my sister's (see July 23rd posting to my blog), and my grand-niece, Steff's 6th birthday. Steff is a well-mannered little girl. I had the pleasure of taking care of her recently and she said, "Aunt Peggy, may I please take a nap?" I have never heard a child ask to take a nap. My kids and grandkids fought taking their naps. On Wednesday I got the much needed haircut. I only go to the beauty salon three or four times a year when my hair needs cutting. I have been blessed with naturally wavy hair and have never had a permanent. I worked at the military museum on Thursday, had dinner out a couple of times, walked, visited friends, and look forward to more of the same this week. On Wednesday I will be going on the gambling bus to Thackerville, OK. I am not looking forward to having to get up at 3:30 AM in order to get ready, drive to Geneva's condo and the two of us driving on to the bus pickup location. The bus leaves at 6:00 AM, with or without us. After we arrive in Thackerville at the Winstar Casino we will have forgotten all the hassles of getting there, especially if one or both of us win. We have fun just being with the crowd. Our bus will return early evening and I will have time to prepare cookies and cake for the guys at the museum the next day. I received an e-mail this week from a young 10 or 11 year old girl (Zoe) that had visited the museum with her family. She took a liking to me and followed me all over the museum. She and her family were so delightful and took a great interest in the museum. Her mother home schools Zoe and her siblings.

Keith, Kelly, and I had Sunday dinner at a delicious buffet. We all stuffed ourselves and I doubt if any of us will even eat a snack tonight. We had great conversation during dinner talking about our individual blogs. All our blogs are quite different and unique to our own personality. My blog is a diary about me, family and friends. Kelly's is about family, travels, historical places she has visited and current happenings. Keith's blog covers sports, sport postcards, historical places he has visited and current sporting events.

If you haven't started your own blog, you need to consider starting one. It can cover any subject or interest you might have. I hope in the future to be reading your blog just as you are now reading mine.