They are upon us, the Dog Days of Summer–you can feel it in the air. That lazy time of year where everything slows down, the heat leaving you barely enough energy to lounge on your porch or balcony and sip a cool beverage, preferably one with mint.

Originally coined by the Romans, according to Wikipedia, it was the hottest time of the year when “the Sea boiled, the Wine turned sour, Dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became languid; causing to man, among other diseases, burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies [the archaic spelling for frenzies].” (Brady’s Clavis Calendaria, 1813). It was so named not because of animals and people gone mad however, but because Sirius–the Dog Star–was the brightest in the sky this time of year.

While we are not having the most sultry of summers, for which I am grateful, August always seems a bit melancholy to me, marking the end of vacation and a return to school. Never a pleasant thought. WorldPride is long over for us here in Toronto, but Montréal’s is set to kick off on the 11th of this month and Ottawa’s follows immediately after on the 15th, so there are still some festive celebrations to enjoy before the cool evenings usher in the autumn and harvest time. I saw a poster for the CNE on a streetcar that drove by yesterday–a sure sign that summer is giving us her final flourish.

It’s been quite the year–my busiest in a long time–one spent between juggling work and quality time with family and friends sipping G&T and sharing in great company and stimulating conversation.

How’s yours been? Did you get up to anything exciting, go somewhere exotic, or just spend it hanging out in the city? Having such easy access to Toronto Island ensures a quick mini-vacation just for the day. I love the sound of the waves on the beach, the gorgeous view of the city.

What have been your most memorable moments this season?

About the Author

Jeff Harrison is going into his 7th year as editor-in-chief of PinkPlayMags and is astounded at how quickly the time has flown by! Ink runs through his veins and if he's not writing, or editing, then he's voraciously reading...or nerding out over a good comic book, or video game.