Whoever penned the words “Lazy days of summer” was probably in a coma.  There is not one person I know whose calendar isn’t peanut-butter-AND-jam-packed busy with extra activities, busier than the busy they already are in the ides of March. Especially my friends who have kids.  Get-togethers must be booked weeks in advance.

I think it’s only natural to back off on activities in winter months.   Energy requirements to keep our body temperature above freezing causes everyone’s metabolism to scream for MORE FOOD and less caloric output, and the near-constant darkness tempts us to cocoon in our cozy home burrows. Not only that, but it’s too damn much work to put on the necessary extra layers of clothing, warm up the car, then brave the elements through dangerous road conditions to DO something.  I get it.  I’m sorry if that reminder of what it’s like in winter gave you the shivers – just wanted to put things in perspective.

But SUMMER?  What’s not to love?  Running about without shoes (despite the scolding from my pedicurist). Coffee out on the deck.  Cycling the bike paths. Droolingly delicious BBQ odours from across the fence.  Sunshine from the moment you open your eyes until you glance at your watch with the awesome realization that it’s 10 PM!   The drone of lawnmowers drowning out annoying motorcycle blasts. Outdoor patios.  The beauty of lightening, the power of thunderstorms.  Fresh berries and corn on the cob.  Getting dirty in the garden.  Feeling the sun on your skin while it bronzes.  Watching doggie antics at the off-leash park.  Driving with the windows down.  The refreshing delight of cold beer bubbles swimming down your esophagus. Flowers.  Seeing the people who live in your neighbourhood.  Warm tiles on the bathroom floor.  And for me, the pinnacle of my summer enjoyment is the incredible amazing delight I feel hiking our glorious mountains.  Aaaaaaaaah! 

I’m far more ramped-up in summer because there’s just so much to do and enjoy in only a few short months!  As I have described in previous blogs, I personify The Little Red Hen.  In summer there are the additional temptations of weeds to pick, lawns to mow, patios to visit, peaks to crest, margaritas to mix, people to see, places to explore, dogs to walk.  I just can’t keep still!  Lazy – my arse!

Although cold and snow will arrive soon enough, I am clear in my realization that it is necessary. I’ll need winter just to rest up.