Summer: My top ten

This weekend, I was really loving summer-- the warm, gentle breeze; the delicate sunshine; the lazy breakfast on the deck-- and thinking about my summer favorites. There are probably more than ten, but I started to compile a mental list.  They're not in any particular order- sorry, Mr. Letterman.

#1 Having my daughter and husband home for the entire summer.  No school.  Mine, all mine.
#2 I already gave this one away- but the summer breeze, the look and feel of sunshine, and the vibrance of the day always energizes me.  I soak up as much as possible, and hope it gets me through the following winter.
#3 The great outdoors.  Long walks, hikes, bike rides, swimming, picnics, evening strolls, an invigorating run.  I'll take it any way I can get it.
#4 The drive-in. This is a summer *must* for my family. Every year, we wait anxiously for an appropriate double feature-- a good movie for the kids, followed by a decent movie for my husband and I.  We do it just as my grandparents did it with their kids-- we get there early, the kids eat a picnic dinner, we play ball in the open space in front of the screen, change them into PJs, brush teeth, watch the first movie, tuck them into bed in the backseat, and watch the second feature.  Ah, summer.
#5 Our annual picnic at the dock.  Every summer we pack a picnic dinner and eat at our favorite dock in the Hudson Valley.  It's always fun to watch the boats sail by, wade in the water with the kids, and take photos of them set against the gorgeous river.
#6 I said it once, but, HIKING!  This is our day-trip of choice throughout the summer.  We try for a few times a week, driving within an hour or so of home.  Last year, Bash Bish and Mohonk were our two favorites.
#7 Lazy mornings outside.  One of the hardest things about the school year is the rush-rush-rush feeling on weekday mornings.  On summer mornings, whenever possible we make it a point to sit out on the deck, linger over breakfast, and enjoy the sun, the air, and the quiet.  It's so peaceful, and shapes the remainder of the day.
#8 Conversely, ending the day outside is another cherished pasttime.  As often as we can, we get back outside after dinner for a game of ball in the yard, a ramble around the neighborhood, or even playing a game on the deck.  It's so peaceful to be outside, bumping into other families out doing the same, stopping to chat with the neighbors, and enjoy the communal feeling of summertime family life.
#9 The sounds of summer.  There's something so reassuring about hearing the birds chirping softly, kids shrieking with joy in the distance, a dog barking from down the street, and feel the slow pace of the afternoon.  It almost makes me wish I drank lemonade.
#10 Wind chimes.  It's a sound of summer, but I love them so much, they get their own spot.  Hearing the wind blow the chimes is enhanting, and sometimes I'll even tap the chimes during the winter and close my eyes, just to pretend it's summer.

Okay, fine, I went past ten...

#11 The BBQs.  While I am not actually a fan of BBQ food itself, I do love the outdoor family barbecue.  Often with extended family, and often an opportunity to sit, eat, talk, sit, eat, and talk.  Watching the multiple generations interact is priceless.
#12 The Beach.  We don't get there every summer, but when we do, it's revitalizing, and lasts me for months afterwards.  Something about the sound and feel of the waves rolling in and out... I could walk on along the water all day.  If I ever relocate, it will be somewhere with a beach.  Preferably, Hilton Head, SC.  I don't care how big or small my house is, as long as I face the ocean, can see it when I wake up, can see it when I fall asleep, and can walk on it whenever I want.  A cardboard box will do.
#13 The memories.  Sure, other times of year are filled with holidays, but there is something even more memorable about the freedom that comes along with no school, no snow, and an open road of possibilities.  If I could stretch those two months into a whole year, I'd do it in a heartbeat.