18 Big Reasons To Hold Onto Summer

The perpetuation of the ridiculous myth that summer ends on Labor Day must stop. This nonsense must end.
I ask you: Does winter end as soon as the calendar says it's March? We like to think that it does, but we know it does not.
And we all know that winter doesn't begin on December 1, even though by that date we're already overwhelmed by the senseless rush toward (and commercialization of) Christmas.
So, summer doesn't start at the end of May (Memorial Day) and it doesn't end at the beginning of September (Labor Day). Those artificial bookends of summer are bogus.
Summer doesn't end till September 23rd.
Which means we still have 18 days of summer left to enjoy. And these two-and-a-half weeks are among the best in the year.
With that in mind (and in no particular order) here are 18 big reasons to hold onto summer:
1) The beach. You can really enjoy it now since the kids are gone and it's blessedly uncrowded.
2) The sun. It bathes you at a beautiful angle this time of year.
3) The evenings. Just a bit cooler and more refreshing now than at the middle of the season.
4) Tennis. The US Open provides high drama, excitement and the Big Prize.
5) Lazy afternoons. You can still sneak away for some fishin, walkin, sky-gazing or whatever.
6) Fairs and carnivals. Some of the best ones are held now.
7) Late summer blooms. These include coneflower, asters, mums, Russian sage and heliotrope.
9) Travel bargains. At many locations the cost of lodging and dining is slashed as summer winds down.
10) The ocean water temperature. It's generally warmer now and much more enjoyable.
11) Late summer vegetables: corn, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, melons and plums, all still available.
12) Baseball. The grand finale as we run up to the playoffs and World Series. Exciting!
13) Quietness. Most of your favorite open-air spots are quieter now so you can really listen to the sound of nature.
14) Fewer bugs buzzing. Except for those damned yellow jacks, you won't have to worry as much about insects.
15) Energy savings. Go ahead, open the window.
16) Al fresco dining. As nice this time of year as it's ever gonna be.
17) That deep, deep, green. Catch it before the trees begin to turn.
18) Summer's endless spirit. That spirit is still here and the moments and memories your savor during these final days of summer will warm you all the way through till next year.

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Summer ISN'T Over Until September 23!

Don't be fooled by the myth that summer ends on Labor Day.
Remember: Summer doesn't REALLY end till September 23.
So, there are still nearly three weeks of summer to go. That leaves you plenty of time to savor summer's late-blooming joys. And there's plenty to savor.
You can still find beautiful blooms, tall trees, lush meadows, rocks, creeks, inviting pathways and warm ocean waters.
Open your eyes, s-l-o-w  d-o-w-n  and take note of your surroundings. Nature is still displaying her summer finery with deep greens and vivid blossoms. In fact, this is one of the most stunningly gorgeous times of the year. It's dazzling!
And right now we're being treated to refreshingly cool weather.
So get out -- explore and enjoy!
This period just before Labor Day is also a good time to kick back and put things in perspective.
Get your priorities in order.
If you're in good health and there are people around you who love you and care about you, consider yourself very fortunate. Ditto if you work in a profession or a job environment that you truly enjoy. You are blessed.
Family. Faith. Freedom. Health and well being. Good friends and loved ones. A sense of daily, worthwhile accomplishment. All of these are invaluable.
And we learn an important lesson when we learn to treasure these precious intangibles.
We've also earned the right to simply do nothing for a moment or two. So, clear your mind and gaze at the summer sky.
Then, as the fall season approaches think about what you're going to do to help others. Because in the end that is often the source of true contentment, of fulfillment in life. For my part, I highly recommending mentoring -- passing something along to the future generations. But you can choose your own approach; your own road to reaching out.
Pay attention as the days pass and autumn approaches.
Learn to savor every moment, every season, every one of life's simple pleasures.

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Those Awful Snow Covered Vehicles

On a short two mile trip from my home this morning I spotted four moving autos and one truck covered with snow --lots of snow, especially on their roofs.
Who are these idiots who don't bother to clean their vehicles off?
They are placing all of the rest of us in danger.
Be forewarned: In New Jersey there is a $120 fine for driving a snow covered car or truck.
Get with the program!

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The Joy Of Autumn's Vivid Display

Is there anything more magical than autumn colors against a bright blue sky?
A friend and I were marveling at the colors of the season -- especially this year.
We both admitted that we had stopped our cars during daily errands just to delight in the colors and take photographs. Passers by looked on curiously.
We didn't care.
Why were we spending so much time savoring our surroundings this autumn? Why?
"We're getting old," he answered.
Photos copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci.

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Spectacular Autumn Colors Delight And Enchant

We have been enjoying a lustrous autumn here in the Philadelphia region -- bright, sunny days with ultra blue skies and crisp clear nights.
It's been perfect fall foliage weather. Perfect!
And the trees have retained their colors well into November, as you can see.

Besides the autumn poets sing,
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the haze.
~Emily Dickinson

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face.
~John Donne


Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.  
~Albert Camus

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The Mysteries Of Autumn's Magical Colors

What's behind the beguiling colors of autumn?
If you're lucky enough to live in a part of the country where there are four distinct seasons you know that this time of the year can be dazzling. And hopefully, you're wise enough to take the time to enjoy the vivid hues of the season.
We did just that yesterday. We slowed down, looked up, and savored arborland's big, bright show. The above photos are the result.
Some around these parts were wondering if the tress would really be showing many colors this year. They theorized that the summer's drought would deprive the leaves of their full potential. But it's been my experience that when it comes to autumn, nature is much more reliable than Broadway or Hollywood. This show's always a winner. There are no flops.
The changing of the leaf colors is the way that trees begin to prepare for winter.
A process called photosynthesis helps keep the leaves green through spring and summer. A chemical called chlorophyll helps make photosynthesis happen. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color.
As the days get shorter and there is less and less sunlight, the trees realize that winter is coming. They cannot support their leaves. During winter there is not enough light and water to sustain the leaves. The trees will rest and live off the food they stored during the summer.
Animals grow a furrier coat to prepare for winter. Trees shed their leaves.
As the trees begin to shut down their food-making factories, the green chlorophyll disappears from their leaves. The bright green fades away and we begin to see yellow and orange colors. Small amounts of these colors have been in the leaves all along. We just can't see them in the summer, because they are covered up by the green chlorophyll.
That's science's explanation.
However you explain it, the result is a time-honored show.
Get out and enjoy the razzle-dazzle before the curtain comes down on this magical spectacle. It's fantastic!
Photos copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci

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Golden Autumn South Jersey Sunset - Moments Ago

Photo copyright 2010 by Dan Cirucci.

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