Days of Summer

 Lazy days of summer have arrived. Swimming pools are uncovered, and bicycles are out of the garage. The grill master dad has had for years finds its spot in the backyard, and work resumes on the project boat that's been taking up too much space. Fresh coats of paint and storm windows are replaced with screens. Picnic baskets are taken down from the attic, along with a box labeled 'kids' beach stuff'.

Lawnmowers are heard every Saturday, and the aroma of fresh-cut grass is one of your favorite smells. Cars and trucks in the driveway get a good cleaning as girls in their bathing suits get whistled at by boys passing by in a souped-up car. The Fourth of July meant a day at the beach with burgers and dogs cooked on a small grill that Dad brought from home. Endless fun in the lake and the two words that stayed with you for a week, Marco, Polo.

Darkness brought with it fireworks displays and sparklers, you would try to spell out your name with before they burned out. Fire crackers, M80S, mortars, and cherry bombs so loud that small kids cried. The ride back home was quiet as kids fell asleep after a full day of fun in the sun. The car radio played softly as Mom hummed along to one of her favorite songs, while Dad looked through the rearview mirror and smiled at his sleeping angels.

Summer meant iced tea and lemonade, potato salad and ice-cold Cokes. It meant a slip-and-slide in the yard and chasing mom with a garden hose, while dad laughed until it was his turn to be chased. It was warm nights on the porch as crickets sang their songs and countless stars shone in the heavens. But all good things come to an end, and summer's end always came too soon. But the memories stay with you as snow tires are put on the car, and picnic baskets and a box full of beach toys are put in the attic. The pool is covered, and Dad's grill is tucked away in the garage along with bicycles as dreams of summer lull you to sleep.

Mike  2026