Summer Pleasures

#1: Summer Festivals
The Summer Arts Fair was absolutely splendid! My friend and I brought a gorgeous picnic with us and filled our coffee cups with good wine. Running into old friends at every turn was so fun. That huge smile never left my face all day.

#2: Teaching Summer School
I can't believe it is almost the end of the session for the classes I am teaching.

It has been the most wonderful experience, almost idyllic. I have to keep telling myself this is a particularly great group of students, that it won't always be so exhilarating to teach every class, savor it.

I have learned a lot about teaching and felt blessed by having so many interesting new people in my life.

#3: Planning a Summer Getaway

Plans are underway for the Sweden trip. I've been working overtime to try to save up some money, taking every substituting gig, every odd job that comes my way. I'm subbing tomorrow, as a matter of fact. And I'll be distributing newspapers next week. If you need your dog walked or something, just let me know.

Little by little, it's coming together. My passport arrived. I found the perfect suitcase last week, the perfect carry-on today.

I bought earplugs today, too, because my big plan is to sleep through the trip, if possible, fall asleep in America, wake up in Scandinavia.

#4: Recovering from a Summer Cold

I am now on the mend after a bug of some sort struck. It had been dogging my heels for a week, making me tired, but I kept pushing myself anyway -- accepting extra work, helping in the church garden, driving all the way to SoHum for a friend's birthday bash.

Finally, on the 4th of July, it got me at last. I could not even get up and watch fireworks; I could not attend barbecues! I missed work. But I am better now.

#5: Planting vegetables

I've been working in the church garden still, whenever I get a chance. Last week, I planted a row of purple cabbage.

#6: Farmer's Markets
My new favorite food in the universe is Golden Beets, roasted in the oven with rosemary.

#7: Beachcombing

On one of these beautiful days we've been having, I went to Trinidad with some old friends. The beach was in fine form, the sky brilliant blue and the ocean following suit. We ate fish and chips. It was a perfect day.

Windblown but very happy.

#8: Summer Parties

At my friend's recent birthday party, it was like a reunion of old friends, dancing, cupcakes, great music, good conversation. One of my clever friends knew brought green tea with mint leaves in it, so while everyone else was drinking mojitos, we could stay sober even with drinks in our hands.

#9: Sunbathing
Oh the pleasure of this coastal weather, where you can sunbathe as long as you want without ever breaking a sweat!
#10: Summer Superstitions

Well, I was not lucky enough to spend Midsummer's Day in Sweden this year, but I did find out about an interesting tradition. A girl gathers seven different kinds of flowers and puts them under her pillow. That night she will dream of her true love.

#11 My hammock
Absolute favorite place to be.

#12 Flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds
Everywhere I look. So beautiful!! I love summer.