Those dog days of summer, when the heat will not allow you to do anything physical except get into a hammock and sleep the day away. That is of course unless you’re a human – a woman with few motor skills – normally uncoordinated – OLD.

My kids are always looking for suggestions on what to get their dad for Father’s Day. This year, I thought I had an answer and advised them that a hammock might be just the perfect gift. Then I started to think about it. The only likely place we could put a hammock would be on the side of the house under the spreading black walnut tree. Thinking further, I had images of him trying to get some rest in that hanging recliner, as hard shelled walnuts fell onto various parts of his body. Then I had another thought. How would he get into that contraption in the first place? Speaking from my own experience, even as a younger person, I had trouble getting in and out of a hammock.

We still have that old hammock. It was crafted out of rope, twisted and woven together to create a “comfortable” and “safe” feeling once you’re in it. I don’t really know why we still have that thing. It’s moldy, holey and tattered. I guess Paul thinks he can make something out of it – some day – added to the pile of other things that he’s going to make into something else some day. I, on the other hand, would quickly dispose of something in that condition, but I don’t always see art in everything.

After thinking it over, I called the kids and told them to can the idea of buying a hammock. I think they already assumed I was suggesting something that might put their dad in the hospital.

So, today as you think about getting into the hammock – think twice. You never know who has been sleeping there before you. You might physically injure yourself getting in or out. You will undoubtedly never restore the hammock and make it into something else. Most likely your wife will throw it away before you have the chance. Just hope that you’re not in it when she does.