Friday Five: Dog Day Afternoon

from Presbyterian Gal:

It’s August. An oppressively hot and humid month where many of us live.

I remember the Al Pacino movie though not much about the plot. Just that it was very, very hot. And he had giant sweat stains on his shirt.

As I pass through this year’s dog days in my felon ridden neighborhood (OK, just two housefuls. But isn’t that enough?), I am trying to focus on the blessings apparent around me, past and present, that I might not notice, necessarily. In that spirit, this week’s Friday Five goes thusly:

1. What is your sweetest summer memory from childhood? Did it involve watermelon or hand cranked ice cream? Or perhaps a teen summer romance. Which stands out for you?

One afternoon, I'd gone with my sister and her best friend to the beach. I've never been much of a sunbather, so I got in the ocean and swam out to a sandbar where I could just barely stand up. As I lazed about there, a pod of dolphins swam up. They never got so close that I could touch them, but they swam and played around me for what seemed like hours. I wanted someone else to see what I was seeing, but I was afraid that if I turned to shore and started yelling, that they'd take off. Those moments were magical.

2. Describe your all time favorite piece of summer clothing. The one thing you could put on in the summer that would seem to insure a cooler, more excellent day.

When I was very small, I had a Mickey Mouse halter top. It was the height of fashion among the preschool set, and I loved to wear it with my red shorts. I thought I looked good!

3. What summer food fills your mouth with delight and whose flavor stays happily with you long after eaten?

Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. Not too sweet, and so minty that it's crisp tasting, and it has lots of chocolate chips.

4. Tell us about the summer vacation or holiday that holds your dearest memory.

There are many, but perhaps sharing the beach house last summer with my sister and her family as well as my mother and aunt. Jamie was there! ('nuff said!)

5. Have you had any experience(s) this summer that has drawn you closer to God or perhaps shown you His wonder in a new way?

I've had several "where's the darn camera" moments this summer, when I felt like GOd had created a beautiful moment for me, and I wanted to capture it. And while I was in New Jersey, we went into NYC and saw the World Trade Center site and St. Paul's Chapel, with its memorials--God was there, and none of us were unaffected.

Bonus question: When it is really hot, humid and uncomfortable, what do you do to refresh and renew body and spirit?

See #3. A dip in the ocean is always good. And a little iced coffee with a friend goes a long way, too.