Is Summer Really Over?

Summer is my favorite time of year.  My winter and ski-loving friends and family think I'm completely nuts.  Hot though it may get, and it does get really hot here on the east coast,  the heat doesn't deter me from enjoying this season more than any other.  It means freedom to be outside, not cooped up in a house or apartment with air conditioning-looking outside at the world instead of being out in it. (Not that I am opposed to air-conditioning.)  It means vacation even when I'm not strictly "on vacation."

Summer always takes me back to a time of total irresponsibility-no school, no homework, swimming, fun, picnics, family gatherings, not having to be serious about anything.  It was a time of dreaming, making big plans and envisioning a great future. (Gosh, I didn't know squirrels made so much noise. Just looked out in the backyard to see two squirrels in two different trees making loud noises at each other and a neighbor's cat rolling on her back in the sun having great fun!)

Even cooking is different in the summer.  I'm not a "griller" myself, however, I love the taste and smell of foods cooked on the grill.  There's nothing so tasty and delicious as fresh veggies and chicken breasts lined with beautiful artistic grill marks.  Then there's the variety of salads.  You can make a salad out of anything: fried chicken, fish, lemons, figs, bright colorful vegetables of all kinds, grilled spring lamb or beef--just anything!


Even now, despite the responsibilities of a "grown-up" with a demanding daily life, jobs, family, children, grandchildren, cooking, blogging, reading, there is no time like the summer.  I just love it!  Longer days, lighter food, icy drinks, picnics and barbecues with family and friends, frosty beers and paler wines give me that feeling I used to have.  Thankfully, that feeling of joy, carefree freedom and dreaming comes every year.


Now it's back to cooler weather and different foods, wines and ways of cooking.  Though I must say, I'm fortunate, being here with my daughter, who has a gas grill in the backyard.  Even without power during Irene, we could cook breakfast on the grill, including toast!

So, even though I love the good old summertime, I enjoy the relief of the cooler temperatures and colors of fall.  However, I'm already looking forward to next summer's vacation.