[I have tried to compile a list to advocate why summer is a gre=
at time of the year. If I missed one of YOUR favorite reasons, add it to th=
e list.]
What do I love most about summer?
>WARM WEATHER. =
Sunlight, blue skies, puffy clouds, cool breeze. Snowbanks mostly melted as=
temperatures rise.
>PICNICS. Cookouts. Time with my bride, my family, my fr=
iends. Smell of brats and burgers on the grill.
>TRAVEL. Opportunities to visi=
t natural, historical, cultural, or educational sites abound.
>WATER. Swimming=
in the lake, wading in a creek, spraying a hose on the flowers, or a squir=
t-gun with the grandkids in the back yard.
>ICE CREAM. Nothing tastes as goo=
d as a cool cone as the sun is shining. And MUST eat it quickly so not drop=
will melt. Anyone still make their own? Or frozen custard?
>NO SCHOOL. Time f=
or kids to relax and for families to catch up on some well-deserved time to=
gether.
>FAMILY. We have 15 grandkids and will get to spend time with most of =
them this summer. My daughter and family live 8 blocks away. All our brood =
try to invest summer days with relatives.
>CLOTHING. No more winter coats and =
long-johns. All about flip flops, sunglasses, and shorts.
>DAYLIGHT. Lon=
ger days and lighter evenings help my SAD condition. (Seasonal Affected Dis=
order from not enough sunlight).
=
=
>OURDOOORS. So much to explore. Wildlife and =
nature call. Short walks, long hikes, weekend getaways or vacation weeks al=
l enhanced by beauty of God’s creation.
>GARDENS. Butterflies and bees =
abound as flowers and plants bloom. Not to mention the taste of that =
first tomato or bite of watermelon.
&nb=
sp;
>CAMPING. Away from comforts of home to a =
more rustic life. Chopping wood, pumping water. Finding where to plug in th=
e RV.
>BREEZES. Driving with the windows down. The summer breeze is far more=
relaxing than that air conditioner’s hum.
>FRUIT IN SEASON. Strawberrie=
s or peaches, plums or cherries are at their prime. And I remember when I h=
ad my own teeth and sweet corn dipped in butter abounded.=
>THIRST QUENCHERS. =
Lemonade, iced tea, soda pop or limeade, there is something to pour over ic=
e and sip.
>FESTIVALS. Concerts, parades, rodeos, or downtown crazy-daze sales=
all call my name. And festival FOOD? Funnel cakes and cotton candy create =
memories.
>BIKE RIDES. Wisconsin has converted abandoned rail grades (includin=
g tunnels) into wonderful pathways of exercise and adventure. First in the =
nation.
>HOLIDAYS. Memorial Day kicks summer off. Flag Day. Father’=
;s Day. Summer Solstice. 4th of July Independence Day fireworks.=
Riverfest Days here in Watertown. Labor Day.
>SPORTS. Take me out the ballpar=
k. Or golf course. Or lakes and streams. Or courts for tennis, volley=
ball, and pickleball (whatever it is).
=
>PHOTO OPS. Sunsets, forests, mountains=
, lakes, seashore – that perfect photo you’ve been waiting for is onl=
y a click of your phone away.
>SOUNDS. Listening. Enjoying the soft pitter-pat=
ter of rain. The wind in the willows. Birds serenading above the drones of =
an insect chorus. Or go off grid and listen to the sound of silence.
>LAZY DAY=
S. Reading and relaxing. Hum it with me: “Summertime, and the living =
is easy”. This is the norm in summer, while often absent in other tim=
es of year. Never miss the opportunity to do nothing!
=
~~
Dr Bob Grif=
fin
[email protected] www.grif.net
"Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!"
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