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or years, I’ve thought that the dog days of summer referred to the ridiculously hot days of July and August, but, alas, that is not the case. In reality, it is during this time when the sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog. I like my version better. It’s been a really hot summer.

When the mercury climbs, so does our reluctance to turn on the stove or oven. This month’s “Poolside Charcuterie Board” on page 16 is the perfect solution for a midsummer meal. Any large platter will do, a few slices of meat and cheese, some fruit and voilà — dinner. While you’re sitting on the patio enjoying your no-cook dinner, you’ll also want to sip on one of these, “Summer Aperol Spritz.”
While we are slowly baking here in the valley, some are finding respite at the coast. Former Visalia residents Sheri and Mike Jefferis recently exchanged hot dry summers for the cooler breezes of the coast. “From the Valley to the Coast,” starting on page 24, includes photos of Mike’s garden, which might be familiar to you from a home tour we featured years ago while they still lived in Visalia.

I would like to congratulate Topograph CEO Eric Riley and the new Lifestyle team on their first completely solo edition of the South Valley’s premier publication. This is no easy task — bringing the best our community has to offer into your living room month after month. I commend them for taking a giant step forward, and look with great anticipation and expectation to see their vision revealed in future pages. Admittedly for me, it has been a bit like watching your child going to their first day of school; there is excitement combined with maybe a tad
bit of fear. In the end, change is always good, and there are great things ahead for Lifestyle Magazine.

Have a wonderful August everyone and remember to send story ideas to lifestyle@tpgrph.com.