This is what August is really all about, isn’t it? High temperatures, higher humidity, and a long list of outdoor events that we just can’t miss, so we take a deep breath of that air-conditioned indoor air and brave all that Mother Nature can dish out. While I don’t like the “soupy” days, I’m not sure that I want to give up on summer yet.

I have been rather sleep deprived lately. It isn’t due to a tough work schedule, or illness, or care-giving duties, all of which are concerns for many of our readers. My lack of beneficial rest is due to my fascination with the Olympic competition and the coinciding Perseid meteor shower. I don’t watch a lot of sports events, except that I am a fan of some professional football and baseball teams, and do my best to attend most of the HHS football games (partly because the HHS Spartan Band performs at those contests.) However, I really get caught up in the Olympic spirit and find myself staying up past a sensible bedtime, “helping” our USA athletes win in their events. I would have liked to have seen the competitions in which Josh Richmond and Morgan Craft were among the top contenders. While neither of these USA team members won medals in Rio, both of these natives of Sullivan County will undoubtedly be a part of worldwide competitions for many years to come. Congratulations to both of them!

Last week we all heard about the projections for an exceptional number of meteors that would be visible before dawn on August 12. Although I am most definitely not a morning person, I set my alarm to waken me so that I could be outdoors at 4:30 AM to witness this spectacular event. Of course, when I went to the window on my way downstairs, I realized that we were completely fogged in and there would be little to no chance to see the stars, never mind any streaking meteors. I gave up for that day, but pushed myself to do it again on Friday morning. I was happy to see mostly clear skies, but in the hour that I spent on my patio, before mosquitoes and disappointment sent me indoors, I saw merely two meteors and two satellites. This is not the first year that we have had weeks of dry weather and clear skies, only to get socked in on the very day that the meteor shower is to occur. One of these days, I will get lucky and experience this truly amazing treat of nature.

It’s Back-to-school time! Local students are starting classes in just a week, and many have already spent practice and rehearsal time at their schools, preparing to compete and perform throughout the fall season. It is time we all remind ourselves to watch for school buses, student drivers, and students who will be walking to and from school each day. Don’t forget to get your copy of the fall athletic schedules so that you can enjoy seeing the wide variety of events that will take place.

Hughesville Events:

Tues. Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. Meet the Spartan Night at Hughesville High School. Photo opportunity for all fall activities.

Thurs. Aug. 25, First day of school for students in the East Lycoming School District.

Fri. Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m. Military Appreciation Football Game, Hughesville High School Spartans versus Lewisburg Green Dragons. Free admission for all active military and veterans. There will be a variety of events, both pre-game and post-game, honoring our American military. Let’s fill up the stadium and support the USA and the Spartans!