Summer

Here we are, well into the 99 degree thick of it. I have romanticized autumn and winter so far, so here is summer with all of my little traditions, punctuated by photos of last night's fireworks.

Solstice or no solstice, for me summer begins on Memorial Day weekend. As with any other three day summer weekend, cookouts and a trip to the pool to cool off are on the table. And for me - when I'm reminding myself what matters - photography day trips are as well, on any sunny day.

In June, I'm fortunate to have Juneteenth off as well, and my mom and I pick a town - usually Yellow Springs - to take a day trip to and walk around the downtown, enjoying the shops and atmosphere. This year, it was Athens, Ohio.

July 4th in my little neighborhood is such a privilege - we're so lucky. A cookout for everyone somewhere in the neighborhood, then maybe a dip in the complex pool and at night, we can walk out our front door and park our lawn chairs in our neighbors' side yard - which opens onto the city's walking path into the park the fireworks are set off in. We get to people watch, enjoy our neighbors' company, and see the fireworks with a 2 minute walk home. As well, I always try to fit in a viewing of Jaws or Jaws 2. (Independence Day would also be good!)

Then, it's Labor Day, featuring most of the events above all over again.

But between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there's so many opportunities for fun, tradition, whimsy, so many ways for us to romanticize summer.

In no particular order:

• popsicles in the fridge

• switching out heavier perfumes for lighter, fruitier, more tropical summer scents

• bike rides in the park

• frosty beverages (if you don't drink, there's always this kind of thing - allowing you to enjoy at work too!)

• sundresses and flowy skirts, Hawaiian shirts and sandals

• one word: Caftans. Caftans.

• to go with the caftans, but appropo anytime at all, a cool pair of sunglasses. My personal favorites are Vodka Moms. (BIG fabulous sunnies, the kind a mom drinking vodka by the pool in the '70s would have worn.)

• movies - I mentioned a few above, but there's also any of the '60s Beach Party movies, Dirty Dancing, Dazed And Confused, The Parent Trap, etc.

• music - a playlist for every summer mood.

• find an inexpensive and over the top summer lipgloss and carry that thing with you like some kind of magical totem all summer till it's gone. Wear it in every picture taken of you this summer - you'll always remember it and tie it to the memories you made.

• similarly, find a summer scent you wear every day; Looking back at this summer, you'll remember the scent - and every time you smell it in the future, it will take you back to this summer's memories. Nothing does that like scent.

I'll save a few other whimsical ways to celebrate your summer for next year. Go forth and try to make some fun memories despite everything going on *waves hand* out there.