So Long, Summer
Labor Day weekend has just come to an end, which usually marks the end of Summer around these parts. Thankfully, the weather was kind and gave us temps around 90 degrees all weekend long. It looks to be cooling down significantly this week, so we were sure to squeeze in those final beach days while we were able. Not that we can’t still take in its glorious splendor for a couple more months, but as far as swimming goes, the temps can change overnight in Lake Michigan.
Speaking of which, I have to say, this has been one amazing summer. Oh, it was crazy-busy for a while there, with lots of family visiting and traveling from one end of the state to the next, but it was the good kind of busy. Ya know how every year you make plans at the beginning of summer, but before you get a chance to do them all, it’s over? Well, not the case this year. We did everything we planned and then some! A rare occurrence for sure.
Well, seeing that we have no regrets as far as making the most of this summer, I am fully on board to welcome fall. This will be the first midwest fall I have experienced in seven years, so I am incredibly excited! There are so many things I look forward to; the stunning colorful foliage, visits to the cider mill and pumpkin patches, fall festivals, walks through the park…and the haunted attractions! Southeast Michigan is renowned as the “Haunted Attraction Capital of the World” and we never failed to take in a couple each October. While we now reside in West Michigan, we’ll be heading to that side of the state to enjoy a couple this year. Woohoo! I am quite a kid when it comes to these holiday traditions. Heck, I’m even crazy enough to welcome winter’s return, in its time.
In contemplating this past summer and all we have to look forward to in the months ahead, I can’t help but reflect on our move back to Michigan from San Diego last November. Although I felt immense peace about the decision, I admit I also felt a bit of apprehension. Apprehension I now conclude was totally unfounded. While certainly there are things I miss about San Diego, and it will always hold a special place in my heart, it’s been a remarkably happy time since we’ve been back. In so many ways it doesn’t even feel like moving back, as we are in a whole new area, which has been quite an adventure in itself. I can easily say the most difficult aspect of moving was leaving family members behind. I do miss them quite a lot, and I suspect I will even more so as the holidays approach, but thankfully we were all able to see each other this summer and I have no doubt it won’t be long before we meet again. In the meantime, I’ll just smile as they tease me in January about their beautiful, sunny weather, as I gaze out the window at the softly falling snow.
