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Front Porch Appeal - The Dog Days of Summer August 02, 2023 |
Hello, Porch Friend, Welcome to August, the month when summer is still in full swing with hot, sometimes scorching hot days. We often refer to it as the "dog days" of summer! August is often the last full month for neighborhood swimming pools to be open and families taking summer vacations. Where we live, if you can believe, our grandchildren returned to school on August 1st. Yes, August 1st. At first that sounds absurd, at least to us. But in October they get a nice two week fall break, when the weather is much more pleasant, so perhaps an early start to the school year makes sense. The two of us are blessed to have a front porch, a back porch and a side porch. The blessing there is that we can always find welcoming shade on one side of our house. What do you enjoy most about summer?
The Dog Days of Summer
Cisco loves the porch!
The "Dog Days of Summer" is a popular expression that refers to the hottest and most sweltering period of the summer season. This phrase is mostly used in the United States and is typically observed during the months of July and August, when we have the warmest days of the season.
The name "Dog Days" has its roots in ancient astronomy and astrology. We didn't realize this till we heard it on the Weather Channel one day. In ancient times, during the hottest part of summer, the bright star Sirius, known as the "Dog Star," appeared to rise and set as with the sun. Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which means "Greater Dog" in Latin. Since this alignment between the sun and Sirius took place during the hot and sultry weather, the heat was associated with Sirius and became known as the "dog days".
Over time, the term "dog days" became associated with the hottest days of summer. We like to think Dog Days refers to the lazy summer weeks when dogs simply enjoy their porch time. Our granddog, Blue, who is a lab, loves to sit on his back porch even in the hot sun. We are amazed at how long he will bask in the hot sun.
Summer Porch Flowers Loving the HeatIn spite of the crazy heat where we live, our summer flower garden is thriving! Maybe the flower love the heat.
Coneflowers, verbena, begonias, and marigolds!
We didn't plant anything exotic this year, yet our garden is a splash of color. Early in the spring (mid-April) we found flats of eight plants for $3.98 and wow, have they ever thrived. In fact we were gone for nearly six weeks and they grew so much during that time. Next year, I think we would buy additional flats because we've learned that as the summer progresses, you can't find those inexpensive flats anymore.
Vibrant yellow brown-eyed susans
Have you ever shared plants with neighbors? It's a great idea. A few years ago, a neighbor gave us some brown-eyed susans and they are now a staple in our garden. Not only do they add a splash of color, but they are hearty and reliable.
We Have an Etsy Shop Coming!
In our upcoming Etsy shop, we will have some of my art on greeting cards and on cute printables you can download and print for your journals, cards or just for fun. Some will include cute porch-y images! We have other ideas in store too. It's most definitely a work in progress, but wanted you to know it's coming. The name of our shop is Mary Sparkle Silver as that has been my pen name for many years for the hundreds (I guess thousands) of handmade greeting cards we have sent over the years. Our shop is not yet open, but we will appreciate your support when it does. Thank you, dear friends.
A Visit from Our Wonderful Friends
Leisa Collins and her husband Bruce visited Dave and I Leisa is the watercolor artist we so often share with you. She literally has painted over 3,000 house portraits across all 50 states.
Speaking of summer flowers, isn't this perfectly wonderful?
This charming yellow home is quintessential! You can find many more examples of Leisa's work on our website right here.
Please check out our Amazon store where you can see Leisa's beautiful book, Hand Painted Homes, which we heartily recommend, having a signed copy ourselves. It includes her stunning house portraits across all 50 states.
Beautiful Porch Pictures to Savor
Wonderful Victorian home Can you imagine sitting on this wonderful porch and the stories it would tell?
Such a handsome blue home! Looks like this porch has a couple sitting areas. How nice. We can picture neighbors and friends happily gathering here.
An inviting porch on this wonderful brick home 
Who would like to sit here and chat? 
The hydrangeas add immense charm! Oh my goodness, this home is a great example of how gorgeous and showy landscaping can increase its curb appeal. Of course, this home is already such a charmer, but those hydrangeas!
May You Enjoy Visiting Our SponsorsVintage Woodworks Time-Honored Products
We're always happy to share the products from our fine sponsor and friends at Vintage Woodworks. They have been in business since 1978 and specialize in beautiful handcrafted products to beautify your porch and home. Please visit Vintage Woodworks right here. Lovelies From the Porch Store
Gorgous Sapele Bed Swing and Double Cathedral Picket Railings
Imagine swaying on this Sapele bed swing. Or napping for that matter! Did you know that these bed swings from The Porch Store have an adjustable back so that you can use it one way for sitting and another way for napping. Such a thoughtful design. And look at the Double Picket Cathedral Railings. Quite elegant.. Want to see what The Porch Store can do for you? Check them out right here.
Aluminum Screen Doors to Swoon Over
Don't miss out on enjoying the beautiful weather for lack of a screen door. Fall is just around the corner. Enjoy the coolness of autumn by installing a durable and quality screen door from our sponsor and friends at PCA Products. We think you will appreciate the wonderful quality and value you receive from PCA Products. Till Next Time...
Take a moment to relax and unwind
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