The first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere arrives with the solstice this year on Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:42 p.m. EDT. With Summer comes fun and sun and weird weather. Let’s stay cool as the heat warms all around us. Remember to hydrate because it’s good for you, and try not to get sunburned.
Meanwhile, I will be counting down the days until my favorite season, which is Fall.
The city of Chattanooga goes to the polls today to elect our mayor and city council. I’m voting for Mayor Tim Kelly who has done a good job so far. Get out and vote fellow Chattanoogans. Democracy on the local level is so important.
Each February the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee holds its annual convention. This year it was held at the Episcopal School of Knoxville. This event is where delegates from its member churches gather to renew friendships, make connections, and conduct business. My wife and I with our friend Tammy and our priest Fr. Drew were in attendance to represent our parish, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga. It was good to get away overnight too. Here are a few snaps of our time there.
Due to the icy weather this morning, our church canceled services. We still attended church, but virtually. My college roommate Joey is a United Methodist pastor. He led a service from his church that we watched this morning. His parishioners stayed home but he went in and streamed services via Facebook. It was good to see him in action this morning.
This reminded me of when everything went virtual due to COVID years ago. It was nice being in my pj’s this morning but my faith is best expressed in community with others and to be present in the parish house at St. Peter’s.
Today was local and state election day here in Tennessee. I did my civic duty and went to my local polling station to vote. We still do paper ballots with electronic tabulation here so I don’t get that thrill of going behind a curtain to a voting machine. Voting is as important for local and state races as it is for the federal and presidential races.
Americans, don’t forget to vote on November 5th. That’s a big one for reasons you know already.
Snoopy and Woodstock might be enjoying Summer but I am not a fan. It’s too damn hot and it’s just getting started. Of course, I am salty because my car’s air conditioning doesn’t work so driving around isn’t comfy. However, I do work in an air-conditioned office. Also, I don’t like to sweat all that much, and where I live it’s also humid and sticky. Ick. Can we speed through to fall? If you are a fan of Summer, enjoy.
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