Summer Reigns

Welcome to summer in Wisconsin.  It’s like a box of chocolates, as Forest Gump would say, you never know what you’re ‘gonna’ get.  Last year it was record breaking heat accompanied by drought.  This year it’s record breaking rain. 

But for all the rain, we've managed to salvage our summer. 

Summer is my favorite season mostly because it’s warm and sunny.  I like summer because it stays light much longer and I find I have the motivation to do things rather than curling up under a blanket for a nap.  The sunlight is nourishing somehow.  I feel relaxed, I can complete housework without expiring from exhaustion, I feel creative and distracted by small enjoyable tasks; for example like tying up leaning spires of flowers in my garden or tidying a junk drawer.  In the winter I barely have the energy to pick up my laundry from the floor. 

This summer we visited friends in Missouri.  It’s a trip we make annually every June.  We've been going for over ten years.  The routine is pretty much the same, but the company is always enjoyable.  They have a way about them that is relaxing.  We talk a lot, laugh a lot, and just enjoy being outdoors.  We are all fortunate to have access to this wonderful place. 

The weather there was significantly warmer than Wisconsin.  They've had a rainy season as well, but it remained fairly dry while we were there.  A sudden storm blew in Sunday afternoon, but didn't stick around long.  When living on the lake the rain doesn't tend to dampen spirits all that much.  We enjoyed sitting under the aluminum canopy of the dock, meditating to the sound the rain made at it resonated off the metal.  At times the noise was deafening, but it allowed you to concentrate on your thoughts. 

Pending thunderstorm.

Nothing more mesmerizing than the sound of rain.

Waiting out the storm. 

As I said, the weather held.  Our trip was enjoyable.  The men worked on small house projects, my friend and I read books and discussed life’s problems.  We went for walks, and enjoyed the gifts of the lake.  Another summer milestone has passed which makes me sad.  Summer is so short and I’m always sad to see it come to an end. 

Dinner at a local restaurant.  Parking lot. 

Daily dog walking.  

Calm sunset.

Well deserved break.

Setting sun.

While we're away, dogs will play.

The fourth of July is just around the corner, and this means summer is in the home stretch.  Not long after “back to school” ads will begin to appear on television.  August will be upon us soon and we’ll find people in a flurry of activity to wrap up their final “to do’s” on summer bucket lists.  My only goal was to slow down and enjoy it.  This year I believe I finally have.