What better informal holiday to celebrate midway through the summer than “National Relaxation Day?” What better way to relax than to take a snooze in a hammock?
The hammock has been in use since 1000 BC. Originating in Central and South America.They were used to safely sleep off the ground to protect a sleeper from insects, reptiles and predators. The bark woven hammocks were hung six to eight feet off the ground.
In the fifteenth century, sailors on ships used hammocks made from canvas for sleeping berths. The design protected the sailors from being tossed out of their berths. The hammocks could be stored to make room for day duties.
Modern hammocks are woven from cotton, nylon or polyester. Pawley Island hammocks were first manufactured in 1939, The Pawley Spa and Resort caters to relaxed summer leisure time in the southern states.
When we visited Hawaiian Islands, we were surprised to see the beach of Waikiki, being combed with machines to clean debris. Hanging hammocks made from woven fabrics, are regarded as some of the most comfortable of hanging beds. The beaches in Hawaii are all public and have no restrictions on sleeping on the beach. The tropical warmth of day turns to cool evenings especially when the trade winds continue into the early evening, making sleeping on the beach to cold without a blanket.
I had a Pawley hammock for 15 years before giving to my brother in law and his lady friend. They may show discoloration as they age.
So kick back and enjoy a snooze. in celebration of “National Relaxation Day.”
Dog Days
Hot, sultry days of summer,
Appear after the rising of the star Sirius.
It heralds extreme weather changes,
thunder storms, floods and this time increased hate, fever and lethargy. Sirius is the dog star. Hearing the word dog, my dog Koke opened one eye, yawned turned over and went back to sleep
under the shade of my hammock.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyrighted 7/22/25
traveling up and down the blind highway 