It’s official. Summer has arrived, and with it, an afternoon temperature of 100º in West San José today. I’m hoping this is not a foreshadowing of what’s to come in the next three months. An occasional day or two of near-100º temps is to be expected each year, so, at this point, I’m not alarmed. It does seem to me, however, that, in recent years, each summer seems to be a bit warmer than the previous one. Time will tell.
Despite the unusually warm weather today, I am grateful that summer has arrived. Not surprisingly, during my years in education, first as a student, then as a teacher, I didn’t just enjoy my summer breaks — I needed them. I would often take the first couple of weeks just to unwind from the stress associated with the end-of-year demands of my job. In my retirement, it’s quite a different experience. No longer do I have to worry about closing up a classroom for the summer, ordering text books and classroom supplies, or finalizing grades. I am no longer required to create curriculum maps for the upcoming academic year, attend professional development sessions, or renew any certifications which may be close to expiring. My summer is mine to do what I want. Well,… sort of.
While I plan to continue blogging, I’m going to take a break from writing anything more right now. I’m waiting for the inspiration fairy to bonk me on the head with an idea for another project, but that has not happened yet. This gives me the opportunity to use the time available to us (Kathy and me) to get out and explore the Bay Area… and beyond. June is always a busy month for us with numerous birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate. July and early-August should provide a fair amount of time for us to plan a few short trips.
One thing, in particular, that I enjoy about the summer months is the opportunity to be outside and to interact with people. Walking through the neighborhood, I see that people are outside more — gardening, walking dogs, or working on their cars. In the condominium complex where we live, neighbors spend more time outside during the summer, after what seems to be a period of hibernation during the winter months. The smell of barbecued food enhances the late-afternoon ambiance of the complex, and neighbors get reacquainted around the pool. It’s a magical time.
Perhaps the most notable difference between the summers of my younger years and today is that I now seek shade, rather than lay in the sun trying to get the perfect summer tan. Those days are over. I enjoyed them while they lasted, but the dermatological consequences have taught me lessons I wish I’d learned much earlier in life.
As is always the case, I’m sure this summer will pass much too quickly. Kids will return to school, parents will re-focus on their jobs, and the cooler, more colorful days of autumn will gently settle in. This is anything but a disappointment to me, as autumn is my favorite season of the year. As is most always the case, there is so much for which to be grateful.
