buckle-up

  The term “ Dog Days ” traditionally refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August as they occur in the Northern Hemisphere. This period of sweltering weather coincides with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. I have to admit I never knew much about the meaning of this phrase other than what I heard in movies and songs, The dog days are over The dog days are done The horses are coming So you better run I can think of no better way to segue to this post’s storyline than this chorus from the song, Dog Days are Over, by Florence and the Machine. All we seem to have been doing of late is running and in this heat and yes, it’s been a very hot summer, surprisingly hotter than we experienced in previous years, exhaustion is near. As for the horse, not sure what was inferred in the song but all I can think of are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse!   For much of the summer it has be...

A view to sunny days ahead Back in August of last year we were involved in a multicar traffic accident. It happened in a work zone where the highway lanes were tight and bounded by concrete safety walls. Unfortunately, when the traffic had cause to slow down, so much so that we had come to a stop, a pickup truck, towing a caravan, then careened into us at 70 mph.  Our Range Rover did its job but sacrificed itself in the process. Giving of itself to save us - Li'l Pumpkin Hand over a check, sign some papers and then, don’t call us, we will call you to let you know when to expect delivery. As for bargaining then no chance; indeed you are lucky to close a deal on a new car without being pressured to pay a market adjustment fee.  Last time I checked, this is America after all. The land of instant gratification! Of being able to walk onto any car dealership’s lot to simply wander along the aisles of parked cars to determine what color you liked best. After which the bargaining pr...