NW Okie's Journey
It was Thursday, August 5, 1999, that NW Okie wrote this piece concerning the "Dog Days of Summer" in Northwest Oklahoma.
The mild, wet winter and spring has been replaced with the Dog Days of Summer -- finally! We knew it was coming but we were so enjoying the coolness of spring that we wanted it to last forever.
If you look out over the neighborhoods in your areas, you will probably find shade trees, sprinklers and swimming holes a favorite gathering place for those seeking some relief from the heat index going around this time of year.
It isn't just in Oklahoma. Those neighbors of ours to the south, east, west and north have been experiencing the tremendous 3-digit heat indexes as well. Except for Mexico where they got some snow.
Why do they call it the "Dog Days?" This is what I found out, "It is the name for the most sultry period of summer, from about July 3 to August 11. Named in early times by oversevers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the period was reckoned as extending from 20 days before to 20 days after the comjunction of Sirius (the dog star) and the sun."
The dictionary gives this description of the Dog Days, noun -- 1.) the sultry part of the summer, supposed to occur during the period that Sirius, the Dog Star, rises as the same time as the sun: now often reckoned from July 3 to August 11. 2.) a period marked by lethargy, inactivity, or indolence.
The Dog Days of summer have crept upon us and the nation is entering dangerous heat indexes. So...Drink your ice water--keep cool in the shade and air conditioning the best you can. Don't over do it out in the heat. Take Cool breaks once in awhile if you have to be out in it.
To all you community volunteers in Waynoka and Freedom, Oklahoma, working on preparing the rodeo arenas for you "Biggest Little Rodeo & Cowhand Reunions" (Waynoka's August 12-14); (Freedom's August 19-21) and Freedom's "Junior Rodeo", July 31.... Take care and take plenty of ice water and cool breaks. We know you all are working hard to make it another great Rodeo season in NW Oklahoma. We love you for that.
Another Dog Day activity many are experiencing is the scouring the country side for sand plum thickets and wild grape vines to make their summer jellies and jams. Speaking of sand plums, Fair Valley has been blessed with a huge abundance of Sand Plums this year. Does anyone out there have a fantastic Sand Plum recipe for Jelly or Jam? I would love to have it to share with the rest of my readers.
I love driving in the country side around Fair Valley. Especially if you are among the friendly companions of an extended family shooting the breeze, telling tales and laughing a lot. It does a heart good now and then. It is kind of a retreat. It's a great place to collect your thoughts and contemplate your days (past, present and future). I also have another place I like to frequent now and then and that is a "dandelion field with friends." A peaceful, serene place to think about something or nothing at all.
Towards eveing around dusk is the best time to spot a deer crossing out at Fair Valley. Watching the wildlife in the evening out there can be spectacular and soothing to a weary soul. Yes! In NW Oklahoma we do have real wildlife besides cowboys, cowgirls, grasshoppers and buffaloes.
Let me leave you with this final quote to give you something to think about, "The beauty and value you see around you is already inside you."
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