In the dead of winter, I think we all share the daydream of a summer day on the beach. Cold, snow, short days, grey skies – except for a few winter activities like skiing, ice skating, ice fishing and snow shoveling, winter typically means cooconing indoors in front to the wood stove while summer means freedom.
Freedom from layers upon layers of clothing. Freedom from scheduling around snowstorms. Freedom from worrying about the roof collapsing under a mountain of snow.
Long summer nights mean staying outside late, past prime time. Cooking outside, sleeping outside and simply walking outside with same clothes you are wearing inside.
Everything is alive in the summer time. More people on the move. You see your neighbors as they emerge from their homes to garden, mow the lawn or walk the dog.
Frozen water becomes swimable and boatable. The tree come back to life and put forth a bounty of greenery. Ah green, the color that sooths the human soul.
Flower pop. Birds chirp. Squirrels scurry. Fish jump. Deer come and chomp on the hostas. Bear come out of hibernation and wack down the bird-feeder.
Dandelions invade the lawn. Turtles dig up the driveway and lay eggs. Suddenly those outside chores no longer have excuses. Paint the house. Clean the deck. Whew!
Pack the car for a picnic. Pack the car for the beach house. Pack the car for a trip to the lake. Vacuum out the sand, wash the dust off the back window.
