July

Did you know that July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar? There are 183 days remaining until the end of the year. The end of this day marks the halfway point of a leap year. It also falls on the same day of the week as New Year's Day in a leap year.  The new fiscal year begins today. 

Ruby is the gem for July.  My grandfather had a ring much like this one.  I remember trying it on and hoping someday I would have one like it.  Grandpa would let me try it on and wear it for a while.  When he died, my grandmother gave it to me.  I am not sure where it is now.

Some say the water lily is the flower of the month of July.  What could be more cool and refreshing than to comtemplate a flower floating in a cool pond?  Others says it is the larkspur because it brings the enery of laughter and relaxation much like those people born in July.

I think I like both.  Comtemplation of a water lily sitting at the edge of a pond on a warm summer day sounds so appealing.  And I like the idea of flowers laughing and relaxing so I would claim both for July.

July was named for Julius Ceasar.   

A sale at a department store used to often be called Christmas in July.  I suppose it would be a Holiday in July Sale now, but not the same I think.  In the southern hemisphere, it would seem fitting to celebrate Christmas in July since it is winter there.  There was an movie made called Christmas in July.  Never seen it, but now I think I will look for it.

July is the beginning of true summer I believe.  It is the first of the two months leading up the true beginning of the year, which comes in September, after Labor Day, when school starts again traditionally and most regular activities resume after a summer hiatus.  Used wisely to recreate and re-create oneself, July and her sister August are the months that give us time to pause, relax and enjoy.  

Maybe that's why I like all those things said about it here.