The official start of summer was today at 6:51a.m.EDT. I don’t know about you, but time seems to be going by so quickly I’m afraid if I blink the summer will be gone.
Back in the day the summer solstice was celebrated by dancing around bonfires. Alas, here in California bonfires aren’t ecologically safe. But I don’t mind too much: so many friends our age have been injured this year just walking down the street I’d hate to think of a bunch of us dancing around a bonfire. Oh, it’s an ugly thought!
Maybe instead you want to make like an Egyptian and get up in time to see the constellation Sirius rise when the sun does on the solstice. That also coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile, one of those useless facts I picked up along the way.
For those of you who live in grey-sky climates, like our home city of Rochester, NY, well, sun’s out–finally! It’s time to get out the summer sunglasses. I found the ones in the photo up in Sonoma, CA.
We’re in a holding pattern this summer–some houseguests and then, before you know it, the end of September will be here and so will the first of our year end trips. But I don’t want to rush through these dog days (literally) of summer.
Speaking of dog days: the term used to refer to the warmest months of summer (July/August) but with climate change, almost any summer day could be a dog day, and some spring and fall days, too. Nothing to do but to chill a big pitcher of herbal iced tea and sip on it while reading a really great book. That’s my plan, too!
Did you know that the Romans also originated the term Dog Days (diēs caniculārēs) because of the Sirius connection?
One solstice my grandmother sighed heavily, noted that the days would now be getting shorter, and grumped “Winter will be here before you know it.” It became a family tradition to herald the solstices, summer and winter, this way, and my kids still do it. It’s a contest to see who remembers it first.
I’m thinking about how I want to celebrate the day. I’m thinking a late evening drink over a small fire in the firepit. Burning some old papers–a release and a celebration.
It is a bit chilly here today so a fire might be a good idea tonight. I always wonder, when one of us will get hurt feeding the fire.
I’m working a 12 hour shift today so tomorrow we will celebrate my oldest and youngest daughter’s birthday’s. Solstice was the perfect day for them to be born born because they both LOVE and live for the summer.
My 16 year old is having a bunch of friends over tonight, and I’m sure they’ll sit out by our fire pit and have s’mores. This just gave me a great idea …. a little parental embarrassment is always good to keep them on their toes 🙂 Have a great Saturday!
Wanted to do more for the solstice but after 60 hours this week hubby was asleep by 7. I just sat on the patio enjoying a peaceful evening of writing. Looking forward to tomorrow and a whole day of respite care for hubby and I. Going on a picnic together.
I liked reading your summary but really loved seeing another photo of your dog! I spent the summer solstice inside a basketball gym–just like ever Saturday!
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
Did you know that the Romans also originated the term Dog Days (diēs caniculārēs) because of the Sirius connection?
One solstice my grandmother sighed heavily, noted that the days would now be getting shorter, and grumped “Winter will be here before you know it.” It became a family tradition to herald the solstices, summer and winter, this way, and my kids still do it. It’s a contest to see who remembers it first.
Oldest daughter Lizzy won today!
OMG Lizzy!!! Also–That was my exact thought: Winter will be here soon. ROTFL!
I’m thinking about how I want to celebrate the day. I’m thinking a late evening drink over a small fire in the firepit. Burning some old papers–a release and a celebration.
That sounds like a great idea!
It is a bit chilly here today so a fire might be a good idea tonight. I always wonder, when one of us will get hurt feeding the fire.
I’m working a 12 hour shift today so tomorrow we will celebrate my oldest and youngest daughter’s birthday’s. Solstice was the perfect day for them to be born born because they both LOVE and live for the summer.
Cool that they were both solstice babies!
My 16 year old is having a bunch of friends over tonight, and I’m sure they’ll sit out by our fire pit and have s’mores. This just gave me a great idea …. a little parental embarrassment is always good to keep them on their toes 🙂 Have a great Saturday!
That made me laugh!
Hard to know what to do about today. Maybe I should start a tradition. That is a great idea! Thanks carol!!
Wanted to do more for the solstice but after 60 hours this week hubby was asleep by 7. I just sat on the patio enjoying a peaceful evening of writing. Looking forward to tomorrow and a whole day of respite care for hubby and I. Going on a picnic together.
My family calls it the ‘soul-test’ day. What are you going to do to test your soul this long, long day?! 🙂
I spent the solstice in Shelter Cove California!!!! Gorgeous!
My uncle died on the 21st nine years ago yesterday. It’s been a sad day since then.
It was a good day for some quiet reflection on the porch though.
I liked reading your summary but really loved seeing another photo of your dog! I spent the summer solstice inside a basketball gym–just like ever Saturday!
Basketball! Now that’s something worthwhile!