In upstate New York, we talk about “cabin fever” in February. We have had cool or cold weather since November. Usually a snow storm or two has hit us. When we start February, most of us are ready for spring. We can see it on the dim horizon, but it feels like it will never come. Some of our worst snow storms have been in February or March. Like many people, by this point, I am ready for a change!
So, you may wonder why I am going on about February. I want to coin a new phrase: “July doldrums”. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, doldrums are ” a spell of listlessness or despondency or a state or period of inactivity, stagnation or slump”. This definition sounds dire. However, what sets it apart from some to be diagnosed is the knowledge that July will end, August will bring some milder weather (less hot and humid). In my neck of the woods, the sweet corn will be ready, the fresh vegetables will be ripe, county fairs will start, and “back to school stuff” will be in the stores. For me, I look forward to the tinge of fall in the morning at the end of August,, even though there are many warm days ahead.
As a Roman Catholic, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary on August 15. In the Orthodox community, this feast is the Dormition of the Virgin. In many ways, this is a feast of hope. In her assumption, we are assured of what awaits each disciple. In her “falling asleep”, we face the reality of death and the promise of resurrection. In my understanding, in the past, the images of Mary were decorated with fresh herbs as a foretaste of the sweet smell of eternal life.
So, today, for me, may be part of the July doldrums, but there is hope in the heat and humidity we have today in upstate New York. We start August on Saturday and I will begin to look forward to all the beauty of fresh melons, the fresh corn of the fields, vegetables of the garden, and the county fair.
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