Summer musings

After my wonderful trip to Toronto and Chicago (where I saw weather in the 50s), I plunged directly into summer after my return. Highs the last week or so have been in upper 80s and last weekend the thermometer hit 97 degrees. Fun, fun, fun! Between my now twice or thrice daily showers, I have reverted to the simple pleasures you find when it's warm including:

- Dresses - nothing sets up a summer day like a dress - casual, formal, they're easy and breezy. I may boycott pants until October.

- Ice pops – I have a set of the little pops like I did when I was a kid and I have been making them like a fiend – apple juice, grape juice and orange soda have all found their way in. Perfect on a hot day!
- Puddle jumping – I am now the proud owner of a pair of crocs which are perfect for stomping in puddles. When it’s 90 degrees outside who cares if you get wet!
- Out running thunderstorms – the other day I went to the supermarket in the evening and could smell the rain on the air but didn’t bring an umbrella. I hurried through my list and as I exited could feel the first drops starting to hit my cheeks as lightning cracked overhead. I hiked up my skirt, grabbed my bag in both hands and ran, the wind tousling my hair and pushing me. I made it in the door just as it started to pour.
- Lazy afternoons – I have spent several weekend days exploring – one weekend went to 上海文庙 (Shanghai Confucian Temple) in the late afternoon with the sun streaming down. It was almost deserted and so peaceful with a water garden and sheltered courtyards.

What do you like to do when the sun beats down? Do you venture outside or find things to keep you busy in the dark?

Happy Summer for the longest day of the year –

G