7/12/26
The "Dog Days Of Summer" are now here, and have been here since their onset on July 3, 2026. The "Dog Days Of Summer" are in reference to a period of hot and sultry days between July 3 and August 11. Be prepared, as they will be with us until August 11, 2026. Of course, they will return next year as they have been occurring every year since the dawn of creation. The term "Dog Days Of Summer" originated in ancient Greece and Rome, a time before Jesus walked upon the face of this Earth. Ancient "Skywatchers" (not sure if they were called astronomers then) became aware that the "Dog Star", in this time frame, would rise just a few minutes before the sun. The "Dog Star", officially named "Sirius", is not only the brightest star in the constellation "Canis Major", but it is the brightest star in the night sky, not counting our sun. It is closer to Earth that any other star, and again not counting our sun, almost twice as bright as the next brightest star. It is bright enough to where it can be seen during daylight hours. Anyway, these ancient skywatchers realized that near the first of July every year, the "Dog Star" would rise a few minutes before the sun and the hottest times of the year occurred in this time frame. The Greeks theorized that the "Dog Star", contributed additional heat and combined with the heat of the sun was the reason for this period of time to be so hot. Thus, so many years ago, the Greeks coined the phrase "Dog Days Of Summer". "Sirius" or the "Dog Star" is also associated with astrology, but that is another story.
In ancient history, in the days of the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, the rising of the Dog Star was an indication that hot weather was upon them. "Dog Days" were here and it was going to be hot. Historically and culturally speaking, the rising of the Dog Star had many other meanings. They were associated with drought, disease, and unrest, as these dog days were linked to astronomical meanings as well as layers of folklore. The Egyptians knew that the flooding of the Nile was imminent and there would be a time of flooding, survival, and a time for agriculture. The Greeks and Romans believed that the rising of Sirius would be a time of ill fortune, believing it caused droughts, fever and general discomfort. The farmers used the rising of the Dog Star, based on superstitions guidance, for planting and harvesting of their crops.
As I was doing a little research on the Dog Star, I came across a word that I was not familiar with. There are many of these words that I am not familiar with, but this one just seemed to grab my attention. That word was "asterisms", meaning a group of stars that form a pattern but are not a constellation. I know very little about asterisms, constellations, or astrology, but thinking about using asterisms as my theme for next week's Special Page update. If you are not interested in asterisms or constellations, don't let that stop you from checking in and viewing the Special Page, as I will have six new pictures posted. Thanks.
I am now posting pictures taken at the 2009 Rockport Days Event. This popular event has probably seen better days, for the time being. This event has been around almost twenty years and let us hope that it continues. There is a lot of work required to promote such an event and the rewards are very few, occasionally a pat on the back for those involved. My hat is off to the Harris Family and all others that help make these previous events successful ones.
I have completely updated the "Navy" portion in the "Soldier" section of the Rockport/Echols Web Site. Every Rockport/Echols sailor's page has been updated including an obituary for those no longer with us. Click on link below to visit and as always, if you find an error or a broken link, please let me know.
Rockport Area Sailors.
Hope you enjoy.
:)
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I have also updated L. H. Harper's Soldier page. Click on following link to view.
L. H. Harper.
Wishing you the best for the year, 2026.
Thanks for looking.
see you.....
jerry
