Crazy for Summer!

by G. E. Shuman

To me, there is something simply stupendous in the whole idea of summer. It is the 'coming of age' of the tiny blossoms of spring; the intensifying, from early spring samples, of the warmth and wonder in the whole world of nature; the confirmation of what I consider to be the true arrival of 'good' days. From my perspective, at least for the next few months, there is no such thing as too much sun, too many flowers, or too large a crop of fresh fruits and vegetables abounding on plants and vines. (I just reread those first sentences, and know they sound a little crazy, but I love summer, and we are now “smack-dab in the middle of it” as people used to say. So don't make fun of me.)

I do get overheated when doing outdoor summer chores, like mowing, or washing the cars. At those times I try to remember how cold my feet and hands get when I'm shoveling snow or scraping the windshields of those now sun-drenched, soapy vehicles. Such thoughts seem to help a bit. Also, during summer, if my home seems a little too warm inside, I sometimes close my eyes and imagine how good such warmth would feel if a howling, zero-degree wind was blasting right outside my windows. The warmth then seems a pretty cool thing to have. Those of you who have been reading my articles for a while should try it, if only to confirm your conviction of my loosening grip on reality.

I also love the beach. I really do. Although an ocean beach is best, any time beside the water is wonderful, whether that water be the edge of the mighty Atlantic, or that of some small pond or lake. My tiny sailboat likes small ponds best; my fishing rod is more at home casting out into salt water waves, and my feet love walking the sand of the shores of either one. Still, there are few things more satisfying than the feel of the sun, and the wind-born scent of the ocean, well-mixed with that of coconut-oil or Coppertone. It is right to mention here that coconut-oil and Coppertone do accent some earthly bodies better than they do others. For some strange reason I felt compelled to point that out, as if you didn't already know it. Oh well.

To further confirm my slightly overboard love of summer, I believe that there is also something nearly magical about the fires of summer. (I used the word magical, and I'm not even at Disney World. Perhaps I AM crazy.) I'm sure that cookouts have attracted crowds since caveman days; and campfires the same. My mother has always said that anything tastes better when cooked outdoors. I believe that, and I would love the idea of it even if I didn't believe it. Barbecue pits and bonfires; tiki torches and gas lanterns; fourth of July fireworks and even fireflies all have their places in the spectacular fires of summer.

Then, even when considering life's storms, those of summertime always seem bigger and better, to me. Winter storms are mostly silent, and even tend to quiet the world, with their sound-muffling fluffy-flurry coverings. Summer storms simply come crashing and pouring down, with giant booms and fantastically frightening lightening. (Yes, there really may be something wrong with me.) And, those great summer storms also leave on their own, without the work of shovels and plows to get them gone.

  I hope that we all, here in the North, take in every bit of the bounty and the beauty of summer, while we have it. Spring was a wet one, and the leaves and plants seem bigger and brighter than ever this year. Get out there and enjoy this sizzling season, dear readers. Smell the roses, but don't 'stop' to do it. Before you know it, those bright lawn canopies and beach umbrellas will be replaced by boat covers and wood-pile tarps; the picnic baskets by school lunch boxes, and the green grass by fallen, golden leaves. As crazy as it sounds, that's okay, too. By that time I will be willing to trade in my strawberry shortcake for a fresh-baked apple or pumpkin pie... but not quite yet. How about you?