On a midsummer's afternoon

Watercolor by Carl Larsson, 1913

Is there anything better than lying on a bench, reading a book, while your dog lays strewn across your lap? This is a special pleasure and I am absolutely, unashamedly, taking advantage of it. When somebody asks "what are your plans for the day," well, this is it, one of the perks of being a teacher. It is part of the wonderful rhythm of the school year, my dormant time, that comes during the warm days of July and August. I will soak up this time and feed myself on it in the busy months to come.

Lazy

[1st verse:] Ev’ry time I see a puppy upon a summer’s day A puppy dog at play My heart is filled with envy That’s because My heart is yearning to pass the time away Like that pup ’cause I’m all fed up And tho’ it’s wrong to be I long to be [chorus:] Lazy I want to be lazy I want to be out in the sun With no work to be done Under that awning They call the sky Stretching and yawning And let the world go drifting by I want to peep Through the deep Tangled wildwood Counting sheep ’til I sleep Like a child would With a great big valise full Of books to read where it’s peaceful While I’m Killing time Being lazy [2nd verse:] Life is short And getting shorter with each day that goes by And how the time does fly Before you know, it’s over That’s why I’m In such a hurry to pack my things and fly To a spot Where it’s nice and hot And hear the birdies sing While I’m being lazy. --Irving Berlin