Good Old Summertime

/ Ann Coleman

I shouldn’t complain, because this is exactly what I had yearned for all Winter long.  I wanted Summer to come, that lovely season when I could go outside without putting on a coat, or even shoes.  I wanted to wake up in the morning when the sun had already risen, and I wanted my yard to be filled with colorful flowers.  I wanted dinner on the patio, long days and short nights, and nightly weather reports that never once mentioned the words “sleet” or “snow.” The problem is, this Summer I got just a bit more than I bargained for.

Yes, I wanted warm weather, but no, I didn’t want the temperatures to climb into the triple digits and stay there.  I didn’t want it to be so hot that when I came home from walking shelter dogs all morning I had to take a cool shower and a two-hour nap.  I didn’t want humidity so high that my sun glasses fog up when I walk outside, and I didn’t want to see my flowers withering in the sun.  And most of all, I didn’t want weather reports that used the words “excessive heat warning” several days in a row.  But sadly, that’s exactly what I got, and I don’t like it one bit.

So it’s hot—really hot–outside, and I’m a little cranky. (My husband would probably tell you that I’m a lot cranky, but what does he know?)   And the heat wave is supposed to extend into next week, so there’s not any relief in sight.  Which means I have two choices:  I can hole up inside my air-conditioned house wait it out, or I can put on my “big girl panties” and just accept the nasty weather.

I was leaning toward the first choice, but as so often happens, outside influences pulled me in the other direction, challenging me to live my life as fully as I can even in the midst of a heat wave.  It may be miserable outside, but the dogs living in the shelter where I volunteer still need regular potty breaks.  So I go and help walk them, just for short walk and keeping on the grass as much as possible.  Although I could stand to lose a few pounds, my husband most definitely can’t, so that means regular trips to the grocery store and restaurants are in order.  There are still meetings, chores, errands and all of the usual things that keep us busy no matter what the weather happens to be up to.

IMG_2119 2And sometimes there are those moments when we are lucky enough to move from simply “enduring” to actually “enjoying” our circumstances.  I asked my oldest grandson yesterday if he wanted to help me set up the sprinkler to water the back yard.  He did, and he also wanted to know if he could play in said sprinkler.  Long story short, he put on his swim suit and had a great time jumping through the water, while I stood by and watched him, getting almost as wet as he was even if I didn’t have the good sense to put on my suit.

It was the longest time I had spent in our yard in the afternoon sun in a long time, but I didn’t mind at all.  The water kept me cool and my grandson kept me entertained, and best of all, I finally remembered just exactly why I had been so anxious for Summer to arrive……

92 thoughts on “Good Old Summertime”

  1. Seeing this picture of your grandson running through the sprinkler brings back so many great summer memories in my own back yard growing up and with my kids when they were growing up. It doesn’t matter which generation runs through the sprinkler – we all know how it feels and I can relate even by seeing a picture! Stay cool, Ann – it’s HOT here too!

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    • You’re so right, Barb! Running through a sprinkler is something we can all relate to. We did it, our kids did it, and now the grandkids are doing it. It’s still a great way to stay cool!

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  2. I’ve been hearing about the heat wave that has taken over a good portion of the country… yikes! We don’t get our heat until later in the summer (usually, but with climate change, who knows?) but I expect there will be some whining around here when that happens. Because of our normally temperate climate, many of us close to the coast don’t even have AC (which may change 🙂 ). It’s good that you are finding your way outside anyway. It would be a shame, once winter hits and you are dreaming of summer again, to look back and realize that you missed out.

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    • It’s normal for us to get this kind of heat for a week or two, but it doesn’t usually come until July. I’m hoping the fact that it’s so early means we’ll miss it in July, but who knows? The good thing is that here in Missouri we don’t also have a drought, so we can water things (and run through sprinklers) to help cope with it. And yes, if the climate keeps getting warmer, I think the demand for AC will go up! Meanwhile, we just enjoy Summer fun and hope it doesn’t stay quite this intense.

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  3. We often say that summer is our least favourite season, too hot, too smoky, to rainy, too many bugs, etc. BUT….inside our covered and screened in back deck, it can be divine. Out there right now with an icy beverage. I like your turn of phrase, going from enduring to enjoying. Take the small enjoyments where you can and all will be right with the world. Happy Thursday Ann. Allan

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    • Yes, if you’re next to a pool, under a sprinkler, or enjoying a cold beverage on a screened in porch, Summer can be quite nice! I think it’s a bit like Winter that way…just a matter of finding the right way to cope and enjoy it. As for your comment on taking the small enjoyments while you can, I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for sharing that, Allan!

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  4. Well. I guess this means you won’t want to drop by to work with me for an afternoon! I just rolled in from eight hours on the docks, wielding an orbital sander in full sun and a current heat index of 104. Do I enjoy it? Not exactly — but it gives me a taste of what the riggers, roofers, construction workers, highway crews, and agricultural workers live with every day, and it pays the bills. At least I can take a break from time to time; often, they can’t. Every occupational choice has its downsides, and summer certainly is one of mine. Like you, I’m ready for things to moderate.

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    • Um, yeah, gotta say you will not have any competition for you job from me! I do get used to the Summer heat eventually (this heatwave is a bit tougher because we went from lower than normal temps straight to higher than normal temps, so we’re not used to it yet) but I don’t think I could do eight hours straight in the sun. I have to say I admire those who can, and do! Take care and hopefully things cool down for you soon.

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      • You’re right that a quick transition from spring to blast furnace is terribly difficult to adjust to. All of the weather people here keep reminding people of that — and to be careful about walking those doggies on hot concrete!

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        • Oh, yes, you have to keep to the grass as much as possible! And I get so upset when I see idiots actually jogging with their dogs in the heat……That literally can kill the dog.

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  6. Hi Ann, I thought I’d share one of my summer tips – I do this whenever I play tennis in the heat. Take a handkerchief and fill it with ice. Twist it closed and tie it around your neck. It feels so good as it melts and definitely alleviates some of the summer heat. Just like sprinklers! ps. My son lives in Vegas and it’s too hot there for me!

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    • That’s a great idea, Judy! I bet it keeps you cool in even the highest temps….I’ll try that when walking shelter dogs, too, although I’ll have to remember to take it off when I go into the air-conditioned shelter. I’ve never been to Vegas but hope to go there for a long weekend this Fall. I don’t think I’d care for being there in the Summer, but lots of people seem to manage it. Like you, it’s too hot for me!

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    • I do to, Neil. In the middle of January, I always think very seriously of moving to Florida. But then I realize how much I would miss the four seasons….not to mention my family….and I know that will never happen.

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  10. I so admire you for volunteering to walk the shelter dogs. We just adopted our 4th shelter dog and she is such a great dog. I’m not sure why I’m surprised because they have all been great dogs, but Ruby is so sweet and well trained I just can’t imagine how she ended up as a stray and then is the shelter. We have had a couple days of the heat wave and thankfully I have had some indoor chores that needed to be done. We are supposed to cool down a bit tomorrow so I can get back to my gardening.

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    • I do hope it cools down for you so you can get to your gardening! And I’ve gotten all my dogs from shelters too (aside from one stray that adopted us), and they’ve all been great dogs. Sometimes, even when someone turns in a dog to a shelter as a “stray,” the dog really isn’t. The people just don’t want to admit they’re turning in their own dog. I know that was the case of our Lucy…she was well-nourished, had good paws, and no clue about avoiding traffic. There is no way she was actually a stray, even though that’s what her paperwork said.

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      • I spent about two hours in the garden this morning. The weather is perfect. I hope you get some relief soon. According to Ruby’s records she was picked up as a stray by the sheriff deputy. I supposed the owner could have called and reported her as a stray – if that’s not the case then they must have dumped her off somewhere. She sticks to close to us to have wondered off. Regardless of what her story is I am so glad she is ours.

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  12. The planet is undergoing unfavourable climatic changes. Unfortunately, the phenomenon is wholly man made. I hope we wake up before it is too late for the posterities. As for your grandson, he seems enraptured jumping about the sprinkler, a felicity that deserts us as we become adults and get riddled with myriad worries.

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    • You’re right, being an adult is fraught with worries. And I do hope we wake up the the damage we are doing to our earth before it is too late. I take hope from how quickly the earth seems to heal, but I worry that we will let politics get in the way of actually helping our environment. At a time when we need to come together to make good decisions, we are mostly just defending our territories, you know?

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  13. Summer has gotten hot really fast this year! I have been jumping in our pool a lot to cool off. It really makes the temperature more bearable when you can get wet, slowly dry off and then jump back in if it gets to hot. My 3 year old granddaughter loves a run through a sprinkler. The sound of her happy squeal as she runs through it always brightens my day!

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  14. Here it’s been unseasonably cold, even in the warmest parts of the country, what a strange topsy turvy world we live in. Last year we worked in 48C temperatures sweltering in the heat and now we’re working in cold arctic conditions. But like you we’re making the best of the situation. Stay cool over there Ann.

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    • It always seems so odd to me when I read posts from people who live in the southern hemisphere! I know that the seasons are opposite there, and yet I forget it regularly. But yeah, I do think we’re seeing more and more extremes in our temperatures. We all do our part to help diminish it, but only time will tell, I think. I hope you manage to stay warm!

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  15. How can the weather newscasters even smile when they forecast these crazy temperatures and say it is great? Stifling! Uhg! I truly believe that I will be a casualty of this climate shift! Not my thing as my DNA is all from Northern cool European blood. Stay hydrated and enjoy any coolness you can find, Ann. Greetings from Northern Minnesota (where the heat hasn’t reached to yet…).

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    • And I hope it doesn’t ever reach Northern Minnesota!! But yes, global warming does seem to be becoming a bit stronger each year, and who knows when it will end? Meanwhile, I just drink a lot of water and stay as cool as I can. A pool and a sprinkler help too, whenever I can find one!

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  17. I agree there are moments when you realize that you’ve shifted from “enduring” to actually “enjoying” and it’s vital to acknowledge them. Like you did in this post. A good reminder to be cool! 😎

    [Also, how did you know you were featured on WP Discover? Every so often a new commenter will tell me they found me through Discover, but I never know that I’m there.]

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    • It was an “aha” moment for sure! I’d been just enduring the heat, and then when I was almost soaking wet (in my shorts and tee), watching my grandson play, I realized I had moved on to enjoying it. And then I thought, “I need to be more intentional about that!”
      As for being featured on WP Discover, the first time I was on it, they actually sent me an email telling me so. And I knew that another blogger had recommended me. But two months late, I noticed that my stats were unusually high and didn’t know why until another blogger mentioned that they’d seen my latest post on the Discover page. I wasn’t one of the main features that time, but I was something like an “also recommended.” I can’t remember the exact term as it was a few years ago. So maybe just check out Discover whenever your stats are higher than normal? And congrats on being featured!!!! You deserve it!

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  19. Ugh. I never dream of summer, although I do love having a garden, if it’s thriving. Some summers aren’t good for gardening. But it’s so hot and humid here where I live and I think as I age I’m getting even less tolerant of it! But children to make summer way more fun.

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    • That’s funny, because the older I get, the less I tolerate the cold! I guess everyone is different that way. But cold or hot, you’re right that children make it a lot more fun!

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  20. My mother would always remind us to be careful what we wished for since we just might get it! Glad you found some summer joy in spite of the heat! It is finally cooler today – hope your heat wave has passed as well!

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    • Your mother was wise! And that’s what I almost named this post: Be Careful What You Wish For!” Thanks for the good wishes…we’re getting a break this weekend!

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  21. I am happy to know that you were able to turn a big negative into a positive despite the heat wave that is plaguing your neck of the woods. Up here in Western Canada, we experience the opposite of what you described: nothing but cold and rainy weather.

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  22. Ann, I totally “get” this post! We, too, have been in the “excessive heat warning” area for much of this week and, despite a quick break for the weekend, we’re facing it again next week … and possibly the week after. We don’t usually get this stuff until August, so it’s hitting hard and fast. But yeah, there are things that need to be done outside, so we buck up and do ’em. I walk Monkey very early in the morning before it gets miserable, and we’ve been abbreviating our walks. I’m keeping the flowers watered, too, but oh, my, do we need some rain. Hang in there!

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    • You must live close to us, because that is exactly what our forecast is! I’m enjoying the weekend, though, and taking Finn for a walk as soon as I’m done typing this. At the shelter, we walk the dogs as early as we can and stick to the grass as much as possible. I pity the afternoon walking shift, because it’s really hot then. They tend to stick to the housebroken dogs only, and simply do a quick potty break and then right back in. Hope you get rain soon!!!

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  23. When I went to southern Spain in 1978 I understood why they have long lunch breaks and “siestas” in the afternoon there and other very hot places. We are going to have triple digit temps too on Sunday and Monday, and then a string of up 80’s and low 90’s. I hate having to use the A/C but I also want to be able to accomplish something during the day, and be able to sleep at night. Running through the sprinkler was a great activity for your grandson and for you to be outside with him! Enjoy your weekend (inside?).

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    • Yes, they do that in Mexico too, and it’s quite sensible. When it gets really hot, people just need to take a little break. Here in Missouri, AC is a must in the summer, and I don’t know quite how I survived so much of my childhood without it. I guess we just grew accustomed to the heat? Take care and hope your get cooler weather soon!

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  25. And I thought it was hot here today (South East UK). It’s 34C which I worked out is 93F over there. I don’t envy you with it being as hot as it is over there. I love the summer, but all these heat waves are scary. It’s definitely climate change, but it’s been going that way for several years now, and nothing is being done [by most governments] to change things. I find it very worrying. I hope they come to their sense before it’s all too late. Most people here don’t have AC either, although I have a tall fan pumping out air just behind where I sit, except it’s blowing only hot air today, so I’m still rather uncomfortable. My sister is in Australia and does have AC. I’m quite envious. I’m glad you’re managing to see the positive side of these temperatures. A positive attitude always helps. I shall take a leaf out of your book. I’m glad you managed to make the most of the heat by sharing a chilled moment with your grandson. He looks adorable. I’m just looking forward to having a cool shower later – lovely.

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    • Yes, 93 F is quite hot, especially without AC. And here in the midwest of the United States, the humidity makes it feel at least 10 degrees hotter! Do you have humidity issues in the UK? Climate change worries me too….especially since we can’t really fight it unless all countries do their part, and I’m not sure that will happen. But I guess if we each do the best we can, we should at least make a difference. I think the earth does have a remarkable ability to heal, but we have to give it the chance to do so. And I like to think that science will come up with alternative energy solutions that will ultimately work…how’s that for a positive attitude? A girl can hope……Thank you for the comment!!

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      • Thank you for replying to my comment, Ann. Yes, we do have a problem with humidity over here, too. Like you, it does make it feel a lot hotter than it is. When they give the temperatures for the day, this is measured in the shade, so 34C in the shade was an awful lot higher in the sun, and indoors, too, with no AC and the sun, as beautiful and welcome as it is, beams through the windows raising the heat indoors as well.

        In the UK, there was talk from the government about banning the installation of new gas boilers at some not too distant point in the future. They suggest we all replace them with air or ground source pumps. These will use far fewer fossil fuels which is a great thing. However, the cost is upwards of £10,000!! Who has that sort of money!? The government is offering £5,000 towards the new ones, but this is still totally impossible for the average person. I think the scheme is on hold for the time being. It’s going to be a problem for many people. I do see sense in them as they will be far better for the planet. Time will tell.

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        • Yes, that’s a problem. So many of the things that will help the planet are very expensive right now, and most people can’t afford them. But I do think that we will get there, eventually. It’s amazing what people can come up with, given enough time and incentive. Someday, I believe that we will have ways to heat and cool our houses that are environmentally friendly!

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  27. It is so nice to see your grandson enjoying the summer. Try some smoothie drinks to keep you cool in those extreme heat moments. We have been making those from frozen bananas, blueberries, and yogurt to keep us cool. Hopefully, it will get better to normal temperatures in your area.

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    • Thanks, Svet! We actually got a nice break this evening, as we had storms blow through yesterday morning, giving everything a drink and a nice drop in the temps. My husband and I actually sat out on the patio at our favorite restaurant tonight, and then listened to a porch concert in the street afterwards! It’s supposed to heat up again next week, but the break was wonderful!

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  28. I don’t envy you the triple digits. We’ve been fortunate in that respect, but on the other hand summer hasn’t really arrived here apart from the longer days. For us, it’s been that great sprinkler in the sky that’s been dominating…

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    • Yes, each area has its own challenges. I really wish we could send the rain from the areas that don’t need it to those that do, but we haven’t figured out a way to do that yet. We got a nice break this weekend…so cool and nice tonight, but the heat is supposed to return on Tuesday. Hopefully it won’t last all summer!

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  29. “I can hole up inside my air conditioned house.” Ah, key words, air conditioned house. Take that Mother Nature! The owner of the house I live in uses a swamp cooler. The heat gets up to 106 here.

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    • Dang, 106 is tough!!! And I’m old enough to remember living without AC (we used to tie a plastic bag full of ice cubes in front of our fan in an effort to make our own AC, but it never worked.) And as much as I miss going to sleep on a Summer night to the sounds of crickets and with the smell of fresh air through the open windows, I really wouldn’t trade those days for the comfort of modern AC. Does that make me a wimp? Probably…..but at least I’m honest!! Take care and I hope that you get cooler weather soon!

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  30. I loved this post! I had the exact same experience with my granddaughters playing in the sprinkler last week. It brought back so many happy memories of my own childhood. My children enjoyed those sprinkler days as well! it is one of those blissful summer things that bring us so much joy. I took so many pictures of the girls running back and forth in the grass, simply dancing to the tune of running water on a summer day!

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    • Good for you, Linda!!! I didn’t get any really good photos, but I have to say that watching my grandson frolic in the sprinkler did my attitude a world of good. Suddenly, the temps didn’t seem quite so hot, and the world seemed a little bit kinder…..Running through sprinklers is something kids have been doing for generations, and it is just so affirming! Truly a moment when we are blessed!

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  31. I vote for the “big girl panties” too and bring lots of waters. Aren’t kids great, they make the best of every situation. If only we could be more like them, of course within the constraints of our very different bodies and energies 😊.

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    • They really are, Janice! And I think if we could figure out a way to have the energy and enthusiasm of a young child at our age, we would be set for life. Wise, and yet vibrant and so ready to live in the moment. How could it get better than that????

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  32. We’ve had such awful heat here in southern Spain as well. The hottest May in 100 years. Evidently, it’s from hot air from North Africa. I was reading that this system has affected some parts of the US even. It certainly is a challenge…do I go out…do I stay in? Honestly, I’ve been staying in too much (haha). Cute photo of your grandson. I love your line, going from enduring to enjoying. Great fun to watch your grandson jump through the sprinkler. Yet another post to encourage us to make the best of whatever comes about. Well done, Ann!

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    • Nothing wrong with staying in when the temps are so terribly hot, Brenda! I think it makes us appreciate it even more when we do go out….. I’m just trying to make the adjustment from Spring temps to extreme Summer temps, and it’s taking me a while. Getting wet with my grandson in the sprinkler helped for sure. It reminded me that there are ways to deal with the heat, we just have to be intentional about it. But to be sure, staying inside and resting is one of those ways to cope!

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  33. Now there’s a solution to the hot weather, Ann. How fun to play in the sprinkler. Great picture. Spring for us is months late. We’re still bundled in bathrobes in front of the woodstove. I kid you not! The weather is all screwed up! But I’ve heard a rumor that we’re going to break 70 this week. Stay cool and enjoy. 🙂

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  34. Eek! I’m literally on the way back to the States. A friend warned me that everyone is “nestled in the devil’s balls,” so to be ready. I can’t imagine what it’s like because Florida is already hot hot…100-degree weather every day? That’s insane, but I’m glad you were coaxed outside for a bit 😉

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    • Yeah, be prepared for a bit of shock in terms of the temps! I like Summer while it lasts (mostly, and when it stays below 100 degrees) but I don’t think I could take this heat year-round. I do like four seasons, even though I bitch about Winter a lot. Welcome back, by the way! Hope it cools off for you soon!

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    • On the one hand, the break from the heat/wet cold sounds good! But on the other hand, I’m sure it’s really hard for your body to adjust to those wide swings in temperatures. I hope things even out soon for you!

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  36. Ann, I can fully identify with this – as I can with so many of your posts.
    I had the cold weather (I’m using the word ‘hate’ here) and long for the warmer weather to arrive but I started to find that there is such a thing as ‘too hot’
    As you said, sometimes you just have to suck it up and get out and enjoy it as much as you can (while staying hydrated, of course)

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    • Yes, that’s exactly how it is for me! I hate the cold, and long for Summer. But when the temps go above 95 F, especially with high humidity, then I begin to think maybe I’m not such a fan of Summer either. Eventually, I get used to the heat and just go with it. And given the choice between extreme cold and extreme heat, I think I’d still take the heat!

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  37. oh what a special time together!

    Here it’s winter and we finally have some sunshine – absent last summer – between the downpours. Waterlogged would be a more accurate description 🙂

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  38. The last several summers in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area have been mild, so we were due for a normal hot summer this year. I hate to hear you are suffering the same! At least the Crepe Myrtles are happy about the heat! They’re putting on a big show! Our neighbors across the street have three and they are gorgeous as I look at them from my airconditioned living room sipping a glass of iced tea! Lol. Try and stay cool in the heat! I think it’s gonna be a scorcher all summer long! Mona

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    • Yes, we’ve been pretty lucky with our weather lately too, so I guess we’re also due for some hot weather. I’m getting used to it now. And you’re right about the crepe myrtles…we have one and it is blooming and gorgeous! Thanks so much for your sweet comment and I hope you stay cool down in Texas too!

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  39. Thank you for sharing! My favorite season is summer. I patiently wait for fall, winter, and spring to pass each year to allow me to soak up the summer sun, the warmth, and all the outdoor activities. It is always better to share the summer warmth with your favorite people.

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    • Yes, there is something special about Summer…even in excessive heat. I love not having to wear coats and gloves when I go outside, and there’s a relaxed vibe about Summer, even when we’re busy. Thanks so much for your comment!

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