Summer Days Ending..........

  I saw this graphic and started thinking, it's late August and summer is almost over.  It won't be long before the marina's are empty as people pull their boats in for the winter season.  The beaches will be just miles of sand with abandoned life guard stations.  No more speckles of colors every where you look.  Beach towels will be washed and packed away, colorful and silly umbrella's will no longer be scattered about the sand protecting elders, lovers, or just people trying to stay out of the sun.  Kids giggling and running will be a sound and sight of days gone by.  Bathing beauties will no longer be glistening in the golden sun.  Sand castles will be washed away with each passing wave and all that will be left are the memories of summer 2005.  Memories that will be stored along with memories of each and every summer of our life.   

I have so many memories of summer fun.  Growing up and camping every summer, either in a tent or pop trailer.  Later in life in RVs and rented homes on the ocean front.  Traveling through the mountains or on the coast.  Unfortunately, this summer I did no traveling.  Circumstances weren't such.  I have to say I missed it too!  This had to be the hottest summer on record, and a lot of time was spent with family and friends closer to home.  Though I did spend a couple nights in a tent, an over night stay or two at the beach in a friends back yard doesn't count.  Many a hot days where spent at my sisters in the pool.  Backyard fires in the pit.   

Aaahhh nothing like a fire!  So quiet you hear each crackle of the wood as the flames dance around the logs.  The colored tips play tag in the air above the pile.  The smoke drifts endlessly to the sky trying to reach the scattered clouds and stars.  Sparks chasing after the smoke only to disappear before they actually catch up.  A subtle dew appears on the grass along side you.  Sitting back and getting lost in the sound, sight and smell has got to be one of the most relaxing things in the world.  It wasn't always that relaxing mind you.  I remember when the kids were little and we'd be camping.  It was just the opposite, and very stressful.  Kids standing around a fire with sticks making spiders, dough boys, or toasted marshmallows can be a nightmare... no pun intended :)  No one ever got burnt, no one ever got poked, but just the same I love sitting by a fire now so much more!  

As I sit here and type this I have smells, sounds and sights of summer.  A beautiful breeze is coming through my windows.  The curtains flapping in the wind with a gentle tap as they fall back in place.  A shout here and there as families ride by on bikes.  The smell of some wonderful dinner cooking on a grill near by.  The left over scent of grass being cut.  The sky turning a bright white in the East, and an orange glow in the West as the sun slowly sets ending another day.    

Another summer day gone as fall approaches.  Kids will be in school in no time, if they aren't already.  Traffic will pick up as folks will drive instead of walk.  The hustle and bustle of life will take over the lazy days of summer.  Where does the time go?