Summer’s magical Mystery tour...

June 2007

It’s one thing that seems to be consistent with us humans, regardless of our ages or station in life.

Anticipation of its arrival coincides with its ending the year before. And almost universally, it signals a period of relaxation, excitement and fun for everyone.

If you haven’t guessed by now, I refer to summer’s annual entrance on the calendar, officially starting this month.

I’ve spent my entire life musing over summer, no matter the time of year. When we’re in the middle of it, I’m reveling in all of its glory. With the arrival of fall, I’m mourning its passing, counting the long months of school, work and general chaos sure to ensue during life’s passing until its return. Mid-winter, I’m flipping through photos of sunnier days and staring forlornly at the print of my favorite Ocean City beach hanging in my kitchen while I cook the dreaded winter “comfort food.” And come spring, I’m fairly jumping up and down in anticipation of summer’s return the first time the mercury rises past the fifty degree mark.

Yes, the season has an almost magical hold on my psyche. So much so, that I thought it might be wise to try and look at summer with an unbiased eye to determine just what it is that keeps me enthralled all year long.

Below, I’ve come up with my personal compilation of the best and worst summer has to offer. The good is very, very good, and the bad…well, see if you agree.

The plus—freedom from heavy winter clothing and the switch to skin-baring, breathable attire. After months suffocating in sweaters, coats and jackets, nothing feels quite as refreshing to the skin as the touch of a summer breeze. I relish the opportunity to throw off jackets, long sleeves and jeans and feel the sun on bare skin once again.

The minus—freedom from heavy winter clothing and the switch to skin-baring, breathable attire. Unfortunately, some of us feel after a long winter that all of their skin deserves to breathe, all at the same time. That can make for some pretty interesting sideshows at the beach, when some folks show entirely too much of their sides.

The plus—the end of school, relaxing of schedules and hours and hours of nothing to do. Summer truly allows for rejuvenation of the mind and spirit with freedom from demanding routines. Little compares to time well spent doing absolutely nothing on a leisurely summer afternoon.

The minus—the end of school, relaxing of schedules and hours and hours of nothing to do. With kids at loose ends, months of empty afternoons can take their toll, more on moms than the kids themselves. At those times, it’s important for mother to arm herself with a good book, a really loud radio and a locked door.

The plus—the end of “comfort food” and the re-emergence of the grill. Just about everything tastes better cooked outside on the grill. And classic summer fare—burgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob are the perfect endings to a lazy summer afternoon.

The minus—the end of “comfort food” and the re-emergence of the grill. By the end of summer, just the thought of cooking another burger or hot dog has me re-thinking tofu. The plus—sun, sun and more sun. Pasty turns to golden within a few short weeks.

The minus—sun, sun and more sun. Golden turns to leather within a few short months. And finally, the plus—three glorious months of South Jersey fun and sun.

The minus—not a darn thing.

And that, folks, is the last word on that.