This past weekend, I welcomed summer with open arms and a whole lot of activity. Friday morning, my friend and I both had the day off, so we were brave and hiked the longer trail in the nearby preserve. We saw a great blue heron fly from the marsh across the breathtaking lake. Later, deep in the woods, we encountered a doe picking her way through the forest. We considered one another for quite a while: she looking intently at me as I inched closer, talking to her in the most soothing voice I could muster. She finally retreated when I was within about 15 feet of her. Deer, in their natural habitat, are majestic and beautiful creatures.
Later, I spent the afternoon at the beach with another friend – we soaked in the sun and the noise of the surf – and really relaxed. I read half a novel in that sitting; something I had not done in years. It was quite a day.
Saturday was another gorgeous summer day that just begged to be enjoyed to its fullest. My bike had just gotten a tune up and I was ready to get back on the canal towpath. During isolation last year, biking the canal until the weather was simply too cold to bear was a weekly appointment with myself. My typical ride is about 16 miles, which takes me about 2 hours total. I could not stop smiling – there were untold number of turtles sunning themselves and at least one heron spotted along the lake. The cormorants have not taken up residence on the lake yet, or perhaps there is better fishing elsewhere. I must’ve been a sight, grinning from ear to ear as I traveled the trail.
And of course, both days’ events had the Brood X cicada symphony as the backdrop.
Last night a cold front blew in and it’s cool today – the sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky, and low humidity – a perfect day to be outdoors. My neighbor has given me carte blanche to pick lettuce from her garden – fresh and over-abundant – and I don’t think I made a dent in the supply at all. Her peas, peppers and basil have all grown exponentially with the heat and rain of the past week. The tomato plants look a bit more revived as well. Nothing like summer weather to bring out the best in all of us. Alas, I am at my desk and have to actually work.
I’ve been thinking about how this summer should be spent, in light of the fact that I have far fewer vacation days than in previous years and it is not-quite-post pandemic. The children are all grown and at least two of the three have their own plans. School will beckon in mid-August for one. Can’t waste too much time thinking, though, as it’ll be over before we have time to acknowledge it.