These dog days of summer
In ancient Rome the hottest days of the summer's were known as “diēs caniculārēs" or “dog days." That's because they were associated with the celestial prominence of the star Sirius, AKA 'the Dog Star', the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Big Dog).
The always delightful Dictionary.com gives an alternate definition for dog days: "a period marked by lethargy, inactivity, or indolence."
Anyway, although we're in that summer period the Romans were referring to, neither definition really applies as it's raining and cool here in Amsterdam, and that has coincided with a period that's the very opposite of lethargy and inactivity.
Two weeks ago Chiara went back to work and we've been rocked by the family routine of getting TWO kids and TWO parents up, dressed, fed and out the door.
For many of you, it may feel routine, and I hope it soon becomes that for us, but at the moment it feels like every step of the morning is a monumental challenge, and each morning we manage to get ourselves out of the house is a victory to be celebrated. That's right, celebrated.
And so, a toast to these busy cool dog days of summer!
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