The mid-day heat is upon us.  In this part of Texas, what I call “high summer” runs roughly between the Holidays, Memorial Day and Labor Day, June, July and August.  In other parts of the State, the really hot weather starts earlier and lasts longer.  By now, most everywhere is hot during the day.

In the Northern Hemisphere, June 20, 2012 is the official first day of summer.  It is not a particularly significant date on the heat calendar.  It is a wonderful date for the day with the most daylight.  On that day the sun has traveled to its northernmost extent, appears to stop, and heads back south.  The following days each bring a little less light.  This continues until December 21, 2013.  On that date, the day with the least daylight, the sun appears to stop again and heads back north.  The sun-stop days are the solstice days because on those days the sun appears to stop.  Solstice derives from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still or stop), which together in our favorite dead language (and it really isn’t) literally means “sun to stop.”  Now, that should get some notice.

We live on an amazing planet in a fascinating solar system surrounded by an astonishing universe.  There is always something new to learn and observe.

Thank you for visiting.  “Uncle Joe and the Haunted House” is enjoying the attention.  I hope you are enjoying the story.

Grandpa Jim