Know why they call them the “dog days of summer”? Well, one rumor is that it’s because the star Sirius, the Dog Star, is shining down on us during the day, and that’s what’s making it so hot. Sirius is a pretty bright star, so way back in the day, they figured that was why it was so bloody much like a blast furnace outside.

Summer out in Arizona is a mixed bag. Nice that it’s bright, nice that you can take the kids swimming every day, not nice that the temperatures are heading for 110 degrees and that your electric bill is laughing at you every time the air conditioning comes on. And the kids are home, which is a mixed bag in and of itself.

It’s good to see them and interact with them. But just try working with them around! My concentration and mental peace are gone. For a little while in the morning, they’re content to hang out in their rooms and watch television or read books. Soon enough, though, they’re bored out of their minds and looking for entertainment.

They’ve been pretty good about letting me get work done so far. But I think it’s starting to wear a bit thin. I hope to get an office set up in my bedroom soon so that I can accomplish more while they’re at home. Because as the summer wears on, I bet I’ll get less and less done.

Except my reading. Which, if you think about it, isn’t such a bad deal.