Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Summer

When I was a child I loved summer!  Endless carefree days walking barefoot walking on the clover lawn full of honey bees.  Whenever I stepped on one I would pull out the stinger and go on my way.  Bike rides with my friends and siblings filled our days.  The key to our roller skates was always nearby to grab and skate the sidewalks that surrounded our neighborhood.


Our male cardinal is wondering why I don't like summer anymore.  I've wondered the same!  Looking outside where the heat and humidity is soaring keeps this gal inside instead of where I wish I could be.  Early morning walks give me a chance to be outdoors for a little while and are enjoyed.


Just like the days of when I was young, I love going to the beach.  Our family beach week bought us all together recently.  Sitting under an umbrella in a beach chair is one of my greatest joys!  Being with our loved ones reminds me of how truly blessed we are.  Spending these days together, laughing, beach walking, and sharing meals make it all worth our efforts to be together.  Our grands are now practically grown.  Our youngest is a senior in high school this year, our middle a sophomore in college and our oldest grand lives with us as he finishes his education.  My goodness how can time be passing so quickly.  


It reminds me of the life of a butterfly!  


I don't wish to not enjoy one day of this precious life.  


As our daughter and son-in-law left the beach early on our last day, I was treated to a sight that thrilled me!  It's really not hard to find joy as it is all around me!


 

 

20 comments:

  1. ah, those Halcyon Days of our childhood days. Treasure each day with the innocent fervour of a child! xoxo

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    1. Deb, those carefree days of long ago, really long ago! It's fun to remember. xoxo

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  2. You had such a sweet childhood, Martha Ellen, and wonderful Summer memories. When you mentioned stepping on the bees and pulling out the stinger and going on your way, I was in awe, as I was allergic to bees, and didn't get close to them at all. I was once stung, and swelled up fast. I do remember the clover lawn also. And the roller skates! My grandgirls are very young, but I've been told that our grandchildren grow up fast. Your butterfly photo is magical, and that red cardinal! You captured him in a funny position. The sunrise photo is beautiful. Enjoy the rest of the Summer days, Martha Ellen, and I hope joy follows you into Fall.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, I'm sorry you were allergic to bees. That can be quite dangerous for so many. My childhood was full of happy memories. You are so right about grands growing up fast. Time really does speed up as we get older! Thank you for your kind comments!

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  3. I love your cardinal photo. He does look like he's wondering. My elementary years were spent in Mississippi with only a window A/C in our small dining area. I don't remember feeling hot and bothered. Probably because I was running and biking around my neighborhood and playing with my friends. But I'm with you now about the heat and humidity being unbearable at times.

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    1. This summer has been a doozy for sure! I grew up in a Cape Cod house with my siblings and I having a bedroom upstairs. When I was in high school my Daddy installed an AC in our room. I don't know how we made it in that heat and humidity before that!

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  4. How lovely to be able to enjoy a week at the beach with loved ones. Summer and the beach always went together growing up in Southern California. Fun photo of that cardinal. Stay cool and I hope things ease up weather wise.

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    1. Going to the beach each summer is a tradition in our family, Ellen. I can imagine you enjoyed the beach growing up in Southern California. Enjoy your afternoon!

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  5. Soon the days will be cooler again. Seems it has already happened in my corner. How wonderful that your family enjoyed its annual beach week. Here's to many more!

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    1. Vee, today is much cooler after a big storm last evening. Glad to hear you have better temperatures.

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  6. Your photo of the cardinal is really sweet, as are the butterfly and squirrel, and those beautiful flowers. Our summers were shorter and not as hot as here when I was growing up. I don’t like doing it, but I really look forward to the cooler months. I have a hard time with the humidity and have done since the first year I lived here truth be told. I didn't feel such a wimp when my parents visited and the weather had the same effect on them :) Hubby is fortunate as he was born in this state and nothing bothers him, and the more humid the better. Yes, going to the beach is such a fun thing to do, especially the sitting under the umbrella thing. It is lovely to see your joy when speaking of your grands, and thank you for finishing off with that incredible sunset, absolutely breathtaking! You are right, we must count our blessings and we both seem to have many with our family. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend ahead Martha Ellen :)

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    1. Denise, even though I grew up here like your husband, I really don't like the heat and humidity either! It won't be long before we can enjoy cooler days. I can just imagine it was quite an adjustment for you living in VA vs. England! We are truly blessed to have A/C. As a child we didn't and I really don't know how we made it! I hope you are enjoying the somewhat cooler temperatures today. We just came inside after trimming the wisteria that really takes off in this heat and humidity. Enjoy your Friday and weekend as well, Denise!

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  7. I can relate to your lack of love for the heat. I think it comes with age! Your childhood playing sounds similar to mine, except the beach. We had to travel to do that so it didn’t happen a lot. My black eyed Susan’s are blooming now too!

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    1. You are right about the age thing, Liz! My black eyed Susans love the heat and humidity in VA. Our temperatures have cooled off a little and it's so nice to be able to enjoy outside. Have a nice weekend!

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  8. Childhood summers were such a different reality! I remember hours of playing outside with my friends, or inside with my sister. No, we didn't have air conditioning (now I can't even imagine that!), but I don't remember that being a huge deal then. The weeks were long and leisurely.

    I went through a period in which I really disliked summer, but I have now come to terms with it and I make it a point to enjoy the good things . . . as long as I have air conditioning, that is. 😉 I am very thankful for that gift!

    I am so glad that your family was able to enjoy your beach week! Sounds like the very best of summer! (And I am still amazed that your grandsons are so grown up already!)

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    1. Cheryl, you are wise to "come to terms" with summer heat. I try really hard not to waste one precious moment of each day, but will have to admit the heat and humidity makes me long for Autumn. Yes, I am so thankful for air conditioning as well, though it keeps me indoors!
      Our beach week together is a highlight for our family. It's a time when we can all be carefree. Now that our grandsons are so grown up I certainly hope we can continue that tradition.

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  9. I love it: "I do not wish to not enjoy one day of this special life." Me, too. I'm so glad you had a wonderful beach time with family. It looks truly beautiful. I have your beach love, too -- and to be able to enjoy that time together on the BEACH!!!! -- that's the best!

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    1. Jeanie, beach time is a balm for my soul! I'm not surprised you love it as well. Happy weekend!

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  10. Eddie and I like to make the most of every day ... although we have been complaining about the excessive heat we have been experiencing in the UK.

    Today we were blessed to spend a wonderful day with two of our grandchildren, what joy and special memories.
    Keep making the most of every day and enjoy the remainder of summer, as Autumn (Fall) is knocking on the door.

    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan, I really shouldn't be surprised with the heat and humidity we have here in VA! Somehow every summer, I find myself complaining about it. You and Eddie are so wise to make the most of every day. How grand for you and him to spend the day with two of your grandchildren! My good wishes to you and Eddie!

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