What makes summer so spectacular?
Have you ever wondered what makes summer so wonderful? As I was sitting in my car, at a light one evening, I was aware of so much activity that I don’t usually see at that particular intersection. I got to wondering, why that was the case.
There were parents walking with a child in a stroller, crossing in front of me. The house on the corner had a slight trail of smoke wafting around the house from the backyard, and I smelled that wonderful “steaks on the gill” aroma. It made my mouth water! The car beside me in the other lane had all the windows down, and Bruno Mars was telling the world about “Twenty-four carat magic in the air!” There was definitely summer magic in the air, that’s for sure! As I scanned the opposite corner, I saw three teenage-looking girls laughing and looking at their cell phones as they crossed the street. Kids were out of school and enjoying the warm evening. It occurred to me that despite the warmer weather, loveliness of the trees and flowers, and extra daylight time, there were many other reasons why summer is an extraordinary season.
There are extra holidays to let us celebrate outside: Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Fourth of July. People delight in decorating their homes with patriotic garb all summer long. Flags are flying on porches and poles. Porches are adorned with buntings of red, white and blue. Summer gives us an extra reason to celebrate being an American!
Cooking becomes an anticipated event rather than a chore. And we ladies know that even if our guys don’t care to cook in the kitchen, they love to grill anything out on the grill!! I especially enjoy my husband taking over some evening meals since he loves to barbeque. Summer gets me out of the kitchen!
Summer also means seeing more people more often. Neighbors who we wave to now and then, or see only on occasion, become visible as they cut their grass, plant their gardens, enjoy their pool or pond, and entertain on their back deck. That little wave “Hi!” becomes a “C’mon over for a beer and a burger!” It’s nice to see everyone shed their coats, not have to hurry in the house from the cold, and instead, be outside and participating in the community.
Speaking of community, summer means reading programs, day camps, swimming pool passes, parades, yard sales, flower sales, fairs, festivals, outdoor concerts, and so many more activities to be enjoyed by everyone together! It’s marvelous to take in some antique markets, or flea markets! Ask me!! I know all about those! How about some great sales?? I know where those are, too!!!
Summer also means sports!! Tennis, swimming, baseball, soccer, yard darts, running on the track, golf, putt-putt golf, biking, roller-blading, badminton, corn-hole, and even croquet!! Even if you just want to get out and power walk like my friend, I consider that a sport!! Summer gets you active and helps to keep you in shape! I love going for walks with my daughters!! If you’re walking around the block, or entering your first 5K, nothing is better than doing it on a sunshiny day!
While you’re out there, check out all the wildlife that abounds in summer! Listen to those peeper and bull frogs out by the pond. Watch the butterflies flock to the flowers, or perhaps you’ll spy a hummingbird hovering by the feeder on your porch. Find the simple wonder in the fireflies in the backyard at night, and sit out by the fire-pit and gaze at the summer stars.
How about that summer garden? Whether it be flower or vegetable, there’s nothing like the thrill of growing something! Fresh produce like tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and corn are a favorite at our house. Green beans taste so much better when you run out and pick some for dinner! No frozen or canned can match the taste of fresh! And your freezer will be all full come September! If it’s flowers that make you smile, how about those perennial favorites like Shasta daisies and iris’? Peonies are one of my favorites, and remind me of my grandma’s house when I was a little girl. Gardening is therapy for many. Turning the soil, planting and caring for plants makes me feel good, and brightens my mood!
How could anyone be in a bad mood when the sun is shining, the birds are singing, kids are laughing, and big puffy clouds float by in a blue summer sky? Summer lifts our spirits. Spring gives us hope, and summer is the proof- the reward that comes from that hope coming to life. Summer is the reward of making it through the long chilly winter, the rains of spring, and the slowing down of fall. Summer begs all of us to come out and live!! Get outside and enjoy nature, friends, family, and the fun that can be found in everything! It won’t last, so get out and get some for yourself, today!!!
Tami Loves…all the beauty that a summer day brings!
