Growing up summer actually arrived Memorial Weekend but according to the calendar and the summer solstice it has "officially" arrived.

I remember going to the public pool. Trying to learn how to dive off the diving board. I nearly drowned myself when I wore a sweatshirt to practice diving backwards. My back was hurting from all my attempts that landed in kerrsplat so "I thought" a sweatshirt would protect me. I nearly drowned it got so heavy when it was wet. Over the years I've learned many of my "great ideas" are best left on the drawing board.

I remember running to get ice cream from the Good Humor Man when he came around. Although I loved ice cream, still do. My favorite cool down of choice during summer was the popsicle. Orange and banana are still my favorites. Instead of getting the 2 together, now they sell them packed individually. I liked the challenge of trying to seperate the 2 parts without breaking them.

I remember using cardboard to slide down the bank in our front yard. I remember going to visit my Nanas. One lived in a fancy apartment in New York and the other lived at the lake in Pennyslvannia. Anyone that knows me well, knows that my Nana in Pennyslvania was my favorite person when I was growing up. Memories of her and my Uncle Carl still make me happy. I was certainly lucky to have such great grandparents and that my parents let me share so much time with each of them as I grew up.

I remember spending the first 2 weeks in August at Beverly Beach. I had my first crush there. I won a drumset there. I had a super duper bike accident there.

I remember growing up with fun times boating. Sometimes there were disasters but mostly fun as we went from a sppedboat to cabin cruiser to houseboat when my parents moved to Tennessee. No wonder I love the water so much, it is part of my happiest moments.

I remember catching lightning bugs and playing outside until the street lights came on. Even now I love being outside but find myself drawn to home when the street lights come on.

I loved summer. I still do. I have had some awesome summer vacations. I have had some challenging not so fun summers BUT I love the long days. I love the way people seem to get out more and it may be my imagination but they seem more family oriented and happy.

Welcome summer. i am glad you are "officially" here.