The calendar doesn't say summer. Not for a long while but the air outside does. It doesn't take much heat to allow one to think that a little bit of Beach Boys music is in order and watermelon goes on the menu while spaghetti goes back in the vault.
Raised in Southern California, the line between seasons is a bit blurry. Never seeing snow until I was 18, was a big deal. Still is. That is why summer here is Something to so look forward to. Sometimes we ease in into it, like this year and sometimes, boom - it is here one day and doesn't leave until late fall. We finished with soccer last weekend and the car is filled with coats, blankets, an umbrella and sunscreen. Never knowing what to expect, we were prepared for any and all things.
When the warm of the sun, spreads across your face, there is nothing quite like it. Laying on your back on a colorful blanket, looking up at the sky, seems like the most natural thing ever and just like riding a bike, you never forget how. The flip flops have been out for quite a while and no matter what the weather, have made a stand that no matter what, they are here to stay. Nothing quite like sitting in a warm car with a cold drink, jus ttaking in the sun. Nothing. So summer 2012, go ahead, whatever your agenda is for this year, we are ready. No longer in fight and flight mode, we are here no matter what you decide to do, we are here for the long haul.
It is suppose to start raining early in the week and probably ruin our chances of a Memorial Day trip to Sumpter, Oregon. It would not be the first time. We have taken the chance, made the 2 1/2 hour drive, got out of the car and right back in, to drive the 2 1/2 hours back. A memorable trip for all the wrong reasons. Looks like we will have to make the next one on June 30th. That is 40 days from now. How do I know? Retirement is the June 29th and the summer of 2012 will offically start for us. Summrt lovin, indeed.
