Dog days of Summer

Do you know why they say "dog days" of Summer?  This dates back to the Romans who used to say "dies caniculares"  They named these days after the star Sirius, or "the dog star" The brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which resembles...you guessed it, A DOG!.  Never say you didn't learn something new by reading my blog!

Today was a dog day.  We discovered that our puppy has a mild ear infection.  This is yet another chapter in the book of new things for Josh to learn.  Before Dawn and I were married I had never had a dog, never wanted a dog, and had already decided that I would never get a dog!  Now, we have 2 dogs.  She's very convincing.  So, we had to make an appointment for the vet.  Although the dogs drive me CRAZY most of the time, the enjoyment and companionship is totally worth it.

Yesterday I think I was under some sort of hypnosis, because I left work about 15 minutes early and went straight to the mirror and shaved my whole face.  I mean my WHOLE face.  by the time I came to my senses, it was too late.  This is also about the point that I realized that I was due at a Chamber of Commerce event in about 15 minutes.  It was a fun evening explaining to people what I had done.  I am not sure yet if I am going to stay smooth, or grow it right back, but here is a picture below of what I look like without a beard...

Work was great today!  My company has created an Android app that, pretty much, contains my entire job!  It is so great!  All of my inspections are on there, so I can document point of service, I can create and complete work orders from my tablet and assign them to different staff members.  I also have access to every service manual, wiring diagram, parts lists etc  for my entire building at the touch of a finger.  I have been using this since Wednesday, and it is so nice.  I am spending less time at my desk, and much more time out in the field.  Totally great of them to get that going.

The boys left yesterday, and I am already feeling the effects of not having them around.  Yesterday evening Dawn and I went to Brews n Blues at a local bar to debrief and relax.  We got a table poolside, and I found myself extremely tempted to start disciplining other people's children.  After all, I hadn't lectured a child in almost 12 hours!  I miss them terribly, but I get to spend Labor day weekend with all three of my sons.  I am looking forward to that!