thoughts on summer

When our friends came on the 4th, the first thing one of them said
was, "It's COLD!" Now, I was happy as a lark, in what I considered,
the glorious 79 degree afternoon. The cooler temps and gentle breeze
was a delightful holiday gift from Mother Earth. HTM, (that's
"heavens to murgatroyd", in case you are new to the manor) I hate
to sweat.

Summer is good, but it's my least favorite of all the seasons. Don't get
me wrong; I adore the variety of seasonal changes. I would be totally
bored in a temperate climate. But, the heat and humidity of
midwestern summers make me sluggish and unmotivated. I'm not
one who relishes a long hot run on the sweltering pavement in the
90 degree temps. I was born in October, and I don't know whether
this has any bearing on the fact, but I am totally in my element in
the fall. The crisp cold air rolling down from the north, the vibrant

reds and golds awake my creative juices, and smack this hot,

dormant body into reality. I am already craving wool sweaters,
fireplaces and raking leaves.

Come to think of it, this person who was so cold last weekend, has a
summer birth date. She loves sun, heat and can't wait to retire in
Florida. I would be happy to retire right here at Willow Manor. But,
if I had to choose another spot in the wide, wide world, it would have
to be somewhere farther north.

It's good, but not my favorite.

Johnny Depp, Chocolat

photo: Icewater, by willow