<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22104733@N06/6009194370/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10927" title="6009194370_1e0cf99919_z" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/6009194370_1e0cf99919_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></a>

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Playdate #28 was an extended playdate.  Each night over the course of about a week, my neighbor and I ran through the sprinklers while walking our dogs.

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It started out as a necessity.  I live in the desert.  It's hot here in the summer.  Hotter than anywhere else in the nation.

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Yes, even though you're sweltering and complaining about the heat, I assure you that it's hotter here.  Unless you happen to live in Havasu or possibly Las Vegas.

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Pardon me.  Phoenicians get a wee bit Cranky in the summer.

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We're Cranky from the intense heat, and we're Cranky from being pent up indoors all day.

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So when the sun goes down, we emerge briefly like nocturnal creatures so that our poor dogs can get some exercise.  It's still 110 (I am not exaggerating), but at least the sun isn't beating down upon us and our dogs paws are safe.

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And let me share what can turn that Crankiness around in a New York minute.  Although I guess in this case it would be a Phoenix minute.

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Sprinklers!

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I've decided that they're God's gift to Phoenicians and their dogs.

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My neighbor and I now run through them regularly.  We cool off and get in touch with our summer inner child in one fell swoop.

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Running through the sprinkler is officially my old and new favorite pastime.  Try this at home.

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Crankiness, begone!

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What summer ritual reminds you of childhood while putting a smile on your face and a sparkle in your heart?

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