I always look forward to this time of year. I always dread this time of year.
Summertime.
First, let's make one thing clear. While I am not a big fan of the heat, it is really the humidity that is the bane of my summer existence. There is nothing like stepping outside from a nicely air-conditioned building and feeling the sweat immediately run freely out of every pore on your body. I know that sounds gross, but that is Oklahoma for ya. It can't be helped.
The heat and humidity aside, there are a couple more things that I find unfortunate about Summertime. Mosquitos are pretty high on that list. Then there are the hoards of kids on summer break from school who have nothing better to do than stir up mischief and mayhem.
All of that aside, I couldn't imagine life without Summertime. There are so many things about this time of year that make me love it. I love eating ice cream cones as fast as I dare so they don't melt and make a big, sticky mess. I love sitting out on the porch and listening to the cicadas and the frogs and the crickets. I love the 4th of July. I love wearing capris to work and tank tops the rest of the time. I love fishing and swimming and camping. I love the smell of the bug spray that was actually made to smell nice. I love the storms that pop up because of the heat. I love the long days.
And then there are the memories. Some of my fondest memories come from Summertime. Camp. Catching lightning bugs in a jar with holes at Grandma's house. Kati and I were so fascinated with them because we didn't get to do that in California. Swimming in our pool every darned day from sun up to sun down. Family vacations. "Thunder & Lightning" and "Zelda" with Lucky Charms. Tents in the upstairs family room. It seems the list is endless...
Okay, I give. I always look forward to this time of year.
