Here it is…August is upon us and I feel like summer is about to end. Never mind there’s sure to be more hot humid days ahead until leaves begin to turn colors and fall to the ground, covering the lawn that has needed mowing almost weekly.

Small seeds and vegetable “starts” have long grown to harvest or didn’t fare well for whatever a lazy gardener did or didn’t do…other plants are still thriving, blossoms galore on the squash and cucumber…tomato plants are being slow pokes. Herbs are starting to look limp in the daytime heat no matter how much attention is given. 

Looking back, I’d admit that in May I had grand dreams for the summer months…we’d go on day trips…maybe a night or two over somewhere in Michigan we haven’t traveled to yet…boat rides…ice cream trips…maybe explore a couple hiking trails in our area. Dreams are great, but making them come true takes time and diligence. 

We didn’t make any overnight trips other than a conference in July. We also didn’t discover any hiking trails or boat rides, but we’ve enjoyed our fair share of ice cream with or without our grandkids … .we’ve spent evenings watching our oldest granddaughter play softball…we’ve had playdates, too, with all the grandchildren. We’ve done all this while keeping schedules where responsibilities have called us to be during the week and weekends …woven inside my husband’s cardio rehab appointments that have stretched from late spring until now…about to end in a few more visits. All this too, while he has worked his part time job and taken care of summer chores with cars and the house.

Admittedly, it’s been hard to fight off envy or sadness when friends post beautiful pictures of their vacations or family gatherings. Fortunately, I don’t allow myself to park very long in the “pity lane”, quickly reminding myself that sometimes best laid plans are interrupted…circumstances beyond our control. Arriving from moments of sadness to feelings of contentment give me a greater sense of peace…lessons learned from letting go of expectations and accepting what daily life offers.

With August here, delivering its last of the hot humid days…mixed with much needed rain…comes the anticipation of fall with all its beauty…cool breezes…weather that requires a cozy sweatshirt…pumpkin spice everything (smile)….empty school classrooms filling up with happy children….moms and dads adjusting to the quiet an empty home creates when little ones are not under tow….yes, summer days can put me in a slight “daze” if I think too much of what I think I’m missing rather than focusing on the blessings in front of me…besides, hiking and overnight trips aren’t just reserved for the summer.