Image by Pepper Mint from Pixabay

As the last days of summer slip away one more time, I struggle with a mix of nostalgia and surprise. Wasn’t it just June? The long, sunny days passed in a seeming blur, leaving me to wonder, where did they go? Here’s a look back at summer’s highlights and the memories that keep me going as the season fades and winter seems impatient for its turn.

1. Chasing Long Days and Warm Nights

• Time Outdoors: Summer means soaking up every bit of sunshine we can get—whether that’s on a beach, at a park, or simply lounging in a backyard hammock. I spent a good portion of spring and summer this year digging, removing sandy soil, spreading topsoil and coaxing newly seeded grass to not only grow, but thrive. Lazy, extended sunsets that stretched for hours were the best part of a lot of days. They felt endless, yet here we are again, facing shorter days.
• Gatherings and Celebrations: Summer is prime time for weddings, family reunions, and barbecues with friends. Although those used to be a big part of the season for me, I now spend a large part of my days with two dogs, who give me as many, if not more, memorable experiences. Even if I don’t remember every detail, the laughter and togetherness make a lasting impression.
• Evenings Under the Stars: From fireworks displays to backyard stargazing, summer nights often feel magical. Now, as the nights cool, I treasure those memories of warmth and wonder.

Image by Myléne from Pixabay

2. Adventures Big and Small

• Vacation Escapes: Whether it was a weekend at a nearby lake or a road trip, vacations bring a change of scenery and new experiences. Although I am past the age of feeling any excitement when I set out, I always begin with a bit of anticipation for the upcoming visit. While my wife’s photos of the events remain, in retrospect the moments seem fleeting.
• Spontaneous Fun: Every summer brings unplanned moments that become some of the best memories. Whether it is an impromptu visit to the ice cream parlor to treat my pups to some ice cream or a last-minute road trip, the season encourages spontaneity, and before I know it, those moments are over for another year.
• Nature’s Beauty: This season treats us to natural wonders—lush greenery, blooming flowers, and dazzling sunsets. It’s the kind of beauty that feels timeless, even though it changes with the season. And just like that, the flowers fade, the leaves prepare to turn, and summer’s palette begins to shift, which I appreciate less with each passing year.

3. Looking Ahead – Holding onto the Warmth of Summer Memories

As we ease into autumn, we carry the brightness of summer within us. Although the season feels all too brief, it leaves us with a sense of renewal. With regret, we swap our swimsuits for sweaters, trade our cold sodas for hot chocolate and savor the memories of a summer well spent.

While I cannot not remember every detail of these past few months, I cling to the way summer made me feel. After all, that’s what makes it special—the way it goes by so quickly, leaving us to look forward to the next one, with a fresh set of dreams and plans.

Image by Kate Cox from Pixabay