Summer is frankly not my favorite season -- primarily because Summer in New Jersey tends to be way too muggy and hot. However, I have to admit that as I get older, I am enjoying Summer more than I have in quite a few years. Here are some of the reasons why I am starting to like Summer:
1. Flip-flops. I know they are terrible for you but they make me smile. They come in tons of colors and even prints and they just scream SUMMER to me (I know that teenagers and young adults everywhere are now wearing them year round, but they are definately a Summer thing for me).
2. Mike's Hard Lime. I'm a grown-up and I like to have a drink now and then. I only drink Mike's Hard Lime in the Summer. It is refreshing and dangerously does not taste like alcohol. That being said, this is Summer in a bottle for me.
3. Fresh produce. Corn, tomatoes, melons, basil, etc. Even though you can get this stuff year round now, it is not the same as when you get it from a road-side stand or your local farm market. One of my most favorite meals is a big juicy (rare) steak with corn on the cob and fresh slices of tomatoe. Finish the meal off with grilled peaches sprinkled with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Heaven!
4. Tanned skin. Again, I know that tanning is so bad for you but I grew up in an era where (almost) everyone wanted to have a deep summer tan. As a person of Irish distraction, I must exercise extra care when I am in the sun because of the fairness of my skin, but I do tan and I really like the look of it. I also enjoy the extreme relaxation of the process of acquiring a tan -- stretch out in the sun on your back for a half hour and then turn over and lay on your stomach for the next half hour. I can read, I can chat with my friends at the pool club or the beach. I can ignore my phone and just be by myself. Again, this is Summer to me. It's not for everyone, but it makes me feel good. I do use sunscreen and because I work, this is not an everyday thing for me, so hopefully I will not suffer too much.
5. Porch Parties. Several Summers ago, one of my friends hosted the very first Woodbury porch party and a tradition was born. They are typically very spontaneous. An e-mail will go out about 2-3 days before the porch party and we will all congregate on whoever's porch or patio or deck. There are summer cocktails (mojitos, frozen margaritas, sea breezes, Mike's, ice cold beer) and lots of delicious appetizers and deserts to go along with pleasant conversation. Our teenaged children are still willing to attend these parties because their friends are there to hang out with. These parties are typically relaxed for the host family because most of the party happens outside and everyone brings the foods and the drinks. It is a very pleasant way to spend a Friday or a Saturday Summer evening.
6. Springers Ice Cream. Located in Stone Harbor and only available during the Summer. I haven't even had ice cream from Springers (yet) this Summer, but it is always something to look forward to. Anyone who has had it knows what I am talking about. Forget your diet and just enjoy the moment. My favorite has been Snickers for the past few Summers. If you are in Stone Harbor you have to have Springers. No matter how long the line is on a Summer night, it is always worth the wait.
7. The Beach. I am a little sad because I have not been to the beach even once this summer. The girls finally got there for a day this week, so hopefully, I will get there as well. Even though I am not much for getting in the ocean, I love the sound of the waves, the breeze that comes off the ocean and the feel of the sand between my toes when I am sitting in my beach chair. Since this is the last day of July, maybe I will get to the beach one day this August.
8. Summer Reading. Trashy novels, classics, biographies. It is always more enjoyable to read a book in a beach chair or when you stretched out on a towel sunbathing. This Summer, I tore though all 9 of the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries, I've read Pride and Prejudice for the 4th time and a few other books of various types and quality. Just started Benjamin Button, which should be a quick book then I will need something else to read.
9. Summer dresses. Bright colors, loose and comfortable. They always make you look put together.
10. Summer Lacrosse Tournaments. I have to admit that I love lacrosse any time of the year, but Summer tournaments tend to be a bit more relaxed and laid back. The girls get to play with kids from all over South Jersey (and Delaware) and they get to see different coaching and systems. They have fun playing and I have fun watching. It is a win-win.
I guess I really do like Summer more than I used to, but I have to admit that I am looking forward to the cooler days of Autumn (which will be here before I know it).
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