Sleeping with the windows open is a wonderful part of my summer. I love waking up to the chirping of birds, train whistles in the distance and the rustling of branches moved by warm breezes.
Last week the rapping of a woodpecker woke me from my slumber. It was a strange woodpecker and as I grew more awake the rapping became louder and almost maniacal. Was it trying to drill through the wall of the house? Looking out the window I realized the rapping of the woodpecker was actually a drum, and the Greenon Marching Band percussion section was over at the high school trying out a new cadence.
We love band camp week. Every summer we both enjoy listening to the songs evolving from barely recognizable to polished and clear. But as I listened to the practice, I got a little sad. The Greenon Marching Band is preparing for fall football season. Summer is speeding onto autumn
Even though our days are still long and we just had the official first day of summer on the longest day of the year, the daylight hours have started getting shorter by a minute or two each day. It is hard to see now, but soon it will be very evident. Summer won’t be here forever.
Noooooo. Slow down, summer! I have so much to do yet.
I still have seeds to plant. I wonder how a late crop of sunflowers and zinnias will do — especially since the weeds have a head start. I’m also going to try fall spinach and chard.
There is a coney dog and root beer in an iced mug waiting for me at Wot a Dog. I am sure of it.
We haven’t spent a day on the Mad River yet. I don’t care if it’s in a canoe, kayak or tube, I want to let the Mad River currents float away my cares.
There is a stack of books on the table waiting to be read under the shade of the front-yard maple tree or in a lounge chair on the porch.
The grandkids keep reminding me that they want to go swimming in the New Carlisle Pool. We missed the Cannon Ball contest. Hopefully there will be another fun event to catch. I’m so glad the pool is still open. It’s hard to find a place to swim if you don’t own a pool.
I have cookies to bake for Bible School.
We haven’t taken the grandkids fishing at Hosterman Lake at George Rogers Clark Park yet. It’s free since a fishing license isn’t required. All you have to pay for is the worms on your way there if you cannot find any in the yard at home. However, chasing down the bait is part of the fun.
Since I’ve already missed the first two New Carlisle Chautauqua events at Smith Park, maybe I can catch the Kate Hasting Band on July 10.
Are there any drive-in movies still open where we can watch a movie under the stars? I miss the Melody.
Then there is that garage sale I’ve been planning. And I’ve also promised myself to find a new home for all those National Geographic Magazine’s in the garage.
We haven’t checked out the new deck at the Tavernette or dined to parrot head music outside at The Dock or had one of those quesadillas under the umbrellas at Taylors.
I need to go to the farmers’ markets at New Carlisle and Enon to get some fresh locally grown produce. Remember? I forgot to plant some of the seeds I bought.
We need to grill out more and make S’mores over a camp fire again. And watch the lightning bugs and stare at the stars.
My feet need to hike the trails at Estelle Wenrick Wetlands and George Rogers Clark Park. Deep in the forest is the best place to be on a hot day — as long as you remember the bug spray.
Then there are the fairs: the Clark County Fair at the end of this month and the Fair at New Boston on Labor Day weekend. Gotta go.
Summer cannot be over until I get more ice cream from Arrow Queen, J & L Cool Spot, Fent’s, UDF and Young’s.
Don’t just sit there reading this … get out and enjoy this summer before it’s gone!
Time’s a flying.
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