There are dog days (hot, sticky, still) -- I think we are past them now -- and there are Dog Days! Such a day is today, this fine Saturday morning. Cool, light breezes, dry air. It’s enough to make an older dog feel young again. Case in point is our 8-year-old ship’s dog Mica, who decided she was 8 months old this morning. She wanted to play, she wanted to run, she was not to be denied. It was enough to make the older person holding her leash share in the enthusiasm. Such is the magic of early fall.

SWIMMERS REPORT. If you see anyone swimming at daybreak, it won’t be me. If you do see someone swimming at that hour, it’s likely a Canadian. They have different DNA. They talk funny too. On the other hand, there will still be afternoons warm enough for the ritual 4pm swim. Let this first cool front pass and I’ll bet I sneak a few more immersions in. So should you. ~B