The Dog Days of Summer
August 1, 2024
The Dog Days of Summer Yes, there is such a thing as "The Dog Days of Summer," and boy, have we been experiencing it lately! Just today, the backyard thermometer read 107 degrees! When I think of that phrase, I envision a dog contentedly sitting in front of a fan, head raised, with ears blowing in the breeze, attempting to cool off. For both animals and humans alike, it is a time when we become tired, irritable, and downright hard to live with. Arguments break out over the smallest, most insignificant things. We leave our air-conditioned offices only to enter our stifling cars with their flesh-burning seats, sit in road construction traffic, and finally arrive at home before our air conditioners even begin to deliver cold air. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the “Dog Days of Summer” span from July 3rd to August 11th. In ancient Greek and Roman history, this period was associated with drought, bad luck, and restlessness, causing people to act irrationally and go a bit crazy. They believed the intense heat was due to the rising of the constellation Canis major, “The Great Dog,” which includes the brightest star in the sky besides the sun. This star was thought to cause the heat, hence the term “Dog Days.” Although this belief has been disproven, the term stuck and is still used today. Learn More
Painting the Sky with the Colors of Freedom & Independence
August 1, 2024
Friends, sometimes you just need to get things off your chest, and today is one of those times for me. You are fortunate (or perhaps unfortunate, depending on how you see it) to be on the receiving end of my current unpacking. This year's fundraising efforts for the fireworks were particularly challenging. Not only did the funds come in slowly and below the required amount within the usual timeframe, but the Chamber also faced significant criticism on social media. Many of the negative comments stemmed from a lack of understanding about how the event is organized and funded. We heard everything from accusations of misusing tax money, thinking that we were somehow a government entity, to suggestions like using parking meter money or selling hot dogs to fund the fireworks. Some of the comments were quite scathing. I vowed not to read them, but curiosity got the better of me, and read them I did. Learn More
Nature is not a place to visit, it is home
August 1, 2024
For years, I wondered what drew so many to the Finger Lakes Region. Friends often spoke of their return trips there, and I was curious to find out what kept drawing them back. Of course, I had heard of the great wine trails but had no concept of its incredible beauty. Last weekend, on a whim, I decided to find out what all the excitement was about. My husband Blain and I stocked the backpack with all the essentials, jumped in the car and headed north. Our first stop was Watkins Glen State Park. At the entrance we faced a choice: take the easy route via shuttle to the top of the trail and hike down, or tackle the nearly two-mile, 800-stone-step trail up to the top and return the same way. Naturally we opted for the challenge and began our ascent up Gorge Trail. Learn More
Keep it Weird!
June 18, 2024
Keep it Weird! I was sitting at my usual table at the coffee shop recently, when I noticed someone from our eclectic group of morning java drinkers approaching. I quickly realized our table was already filled and began to slide my chair over to allow space for the incoming individual to pull up a chair. It took me a moment to realize that to those around me who didn’t notice his approach, my actions appeared a bit odd. After assessing the situation, I quickly turned to the person seated next to me and said, “I’m not trying to be weird, I am making room for another to join us.” His reply was perfect, “You should stay your weird self. You know that word weird originally meant otherworldly?” This morning’s interaction placed me on a path to discovery. Where did the word weird originate and how had it evolved? Am I weird, and if I am, is that a good thing or bad? Let’s begin by going back to its roots. Learn More
