
Ah, summer. Just the thought of it summons visions of beach romps, picnics, cookouts, concerts, camping, hiking, swimming, and more.
Long days and lovely starry nights.
But there’s something else, too: the expectation that when the season arrives, we will have fun. No matter what we’re doing, summer always brings a glamorous shimmer of potential.
We spend time during the rest of the year looking forward to summer. It beckons.
So let’s check in…
At our house, we all have jobs. In addition, we have been getting one son ready for a move while visiting college campuses with the other. I’m also trying to get writing done while still dealing with some health stuff. On top of all that, a tornado touched down in our neighborhood recently, and we are currently trying to sort out repairs. (We are very, very grateful that it wasn’t worse–but we did have some damage that needs fixing.) We haven’t traveled anywhere or even attended events. So this is NOT the best summer we’ve ever had.
But we are being productive, and that counts for something, right?
And we’re together, which is wonderful.
(Plus, next summer is beckoning already…we will have more fun next year!)
How about you? What are you up to? Hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer.

We are getting ready for a move. We have been in our house for 35 years. Now, since we are in our 7’s and my husbands health is not the greatest, stairs and a big yard are getting too much. So we are in the process of getting our house ready to sell. YIKES! We are going to a great retirement community nearby where we won’t have to worry about anything. They even have a pool, fitness center, library, 16 miles of hiking trails and lots of other stuff. Then if down the road we need assistance or more, it is all there. Our kids won’t have to worry about finding a good place for us. We did it for them. It will be worth a summer of stress and apprehension. But I will miss my wildlife that frequents my back yard. Bears, deer, bobcats, coyotes, hawks, bunnies, turkeys, fox and songbirds of all kinds. Did I mention we have 2 acres in the country? It is photography heaven. But new adventures lie ahead. And if the stress gets too much, I have my mysteries to whisk me away.
Carol
LikeLiked by 4 people
Wishing you a smooth selling & moving process, Carol! Sounds like you’ve enjoyed living in your current house, but the new place seems amazing, too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds as if the stress of a move (but exciting, too) will all be worth it, Nani. Hopefully you’ll see some wildlife on those hiking trails. And yes, mysteries to the rescue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness–getting ready to move takes a lot of energy. (Hugs!!) But it sounds like your new destination has so many great things to explore and do…wishing you a gentle/peaceful move and happy new chapter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cynthia, so sorry to hear about the tornado crap. Hope everyone in the area is safe, and repairs will be fairly inexpensive.
This summer sucks. I have major stuff going on at work that precludes me from having any summer at all.
But I will keep plugging away, and fingers crossed work doesn’t get rid of my Christmas as well (50% chance that is happening).
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh no, Hestia. Hoping you get to relax and enjoy some time off before the year’s end!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nothing stops Christmas from coming, Hestia–a certain grumpy, lime-green creature told us so, and we must believe him. I bet you have some other, more pleasant work to do this summer, too…hmmm? (Smile face)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Hestia! (We about fell over when we heard our deductible…yikes.) Very sorry about the lost summer because of work. But A+++++++++ for productivity!!!
LikeLike
Right now, we’re confining ourselves to the house as much as possible. Air temp will be 96 today and feel like 109. Welcome to North Carolina in the summer!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Wow. Stay cool & safe!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We hear you all the way from NH this year. Sigh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good plan, Tom! Hope there is a nearby swimming spot…
LikeLike
Also sorry to hear about the tornado, Cynthia. We downsized (agonizing), moved, and I’ve had issues with all my media accounts. And in the Midwest we’ve gotten bad air from Canada. BUT we’re in a beautiful spot and the grandchildren are coming.
Don’t ask about the writing, though.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Glad you’re in a lovely place and that grandkids will be visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on surviving the move, Priscilla! And fortunately you saved that Bobbsey Twins book from a terrible fate.
LikeLike
Thank you, Priscilla. And congratulations on the new location and on surviving the move. So sorry about the media accounts and hope that is straightened out soon.
And, happily, once everything else is sorted out, writing will be there waiting for us all. 🙂
LikeLike
Summer in Santa Cruz means foggy mornings–and often foggy afternoons and evenings, as well. But my vegetables are starting to produce, the flowers are blooming (and the gophers tunneling), and there’s a mockingbird outside my window right now singing his little heart out. So it’s all good.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Sounds wonderful, Leslie! And we get some June gloom here as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awwwww. It sounds like a magical place, Leslie!!! So delightful.
LikeLike
Our summer schedule is packed with both kids’ activities and our own tasks. We will be taking a few mini breaks, though: a short camping trip in the mountains & a weekend nearby to explore arts and crafts festivals.
(Hang in there, Cyn! And grateful that your family is all together & helping each other out.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those sounds like lovely plans, Jen! (And thank you.) Hope you have some wonderful adventures!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was out of town last week for possibly my only real trip of the summer. I hurt my shoulder, and that is keeping me from paddle boarding. But it’s summer! I love hot weather, so I’m happy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoy the heat, Mark! (Great for your shoulder–hope you feel better soon!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope your shoulder feels better soon, Mark! That is no fun. But hooray for trips in summer and for being a fan of hot weather!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cynthia, a TORNADO? You failed to mention that to us. Bad Chick. (But very sorry, eek.) Can we help? Sounds as if you’re in a tornado of your own, with all you have to do. Commenting from the miserable swamplands of NH, where we have had weeks and weeks of rain. The trees and bushes are advancing upon us like Birnham Wood. East Coast is #summerfail so far. #603Grinch
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you and I think we’re all sort of still in shock.
Anyway, very sorry about swamplands but a million points to your house for the Macbeth reference!! *applauds*
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, Cynthia!! So sorry about the tornado! I have a friend in your neck of the woods who sent me video of what I believe is the same twister. Scary stuff! Sending massive hugs and best wishes for easyish repairs.
Summer is in full swing with hot weather, and my eldest is back from his first year of college. All good stuff!
LikeLiked by 3 people
You have a friend in my neck of the woods? We need to talk!!
In any case, thank you and hooray on the reunion. Awwww.
LikeLike
We do! And it’s been wonderful. ❤
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about the tornado damage, Cynthia! Later this week, I’m off to Sleuthfest in sunny (and hot) South Florida. I can almost hear the Jimmy Buffett music!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sleuthfest?? YAY! Hope you have a wonderful time, JC. Safe travels!
And thank you kindly. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cynthia, I hope the repairs turn out to be uncomplicated — and inexpensive! College tours sounds exciting. ( But maybe pulling at heartstrings for mom, too!❤️)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, V. And oh, yes on the heartstrings. Hope you are having a peaceful one!
Will report back on the repairs…eek.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oops! Sorry I’m late to this. Our summer is a mix. We adopted a new doggy and she’s VERY needy, which is affecting my writing time. Our daughter is gone for the summer, so it’s just Jer and me. I don’t do much summery stuff so for me, it’s like any other season, especially here in L.A. – only hotter!
LikeLiked by 2 people
And Cyn, hope the health stuff AND tornado stuff get fixed in the best way possible! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, El!! xo
LikeLike
NEW DOGGY? Oh my gosh, how wonderful though I know it’s a lot of work. Need more details!!
LikeLike