My mother always told me the older you get the faster summer goes. I hate to admit it but she was right! It seems like as soon as we finish up celebrating the 4^th of July, the summer flies by, and in a blink of an eye, we are planning for the kids to return to school.

When I think of the “Dog Days of Summer,” I often think of the long hot days that never seem to end. But now I embrace these days. These are the days were the kids play outside with friends, are in and out of the pool, or jumping off our boat into the lake. At one time I couldn’t wait for the “Dog Days” to be over, now I wish they wouldn’t go by so fast. A friend mentioned to me one day that we only get 18 summers with our kids until they are adults and out on their own. Only 18 summer vacations to make memories that will last a lifetime.

The next time the days seem to go by too fast, take a breath. Find a way to sit back and enjoy the moment. Watch the sunset, enjoy that ice cream cone, or sip that drink a little bit slower. Before we know it the years have gone by so fast and we haven’t taken the time to enjoy the moment. I always tell our volunteers with the Friends of the Library, “the books will always be here.” The dirty dishes will always be in the sink, the laundry will always need to be folded, the house may be a mess, but take the time to make a memory first.

Don’t let the “Dog Days of Summer” bog you down, let them boost you up!