Summer Review From The In-Between

We are now entering what I like to call The In-Between Time.

This is that time of year that’s a bit hard to define. For most Americans, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of Summer. Sure, we all know that there are technically a few more weeks on the calendar until the seasons change, and depending on where you live, a few more weeks of Summer weather as well.

It is beginning to wind down though. “Fall People” are breaking out their scarves, hats, and boots preparing for the change in the weather that isn’t coming along nearly fast enough for them, while us “Summer People” are holding on to every last bit of warmth and late sunsets we can get. Soon enough there will be leaves on the ground and pumpkin spiced everything. For now though, the kids are all back in school, the pools and snow cone stands are beginning to close, and we’re all in a holding pattern until the changes actually come. Thus, the In-Between Time.

So, even though Summer is not technically over (just practically), I’m going to take a few moments to reflect on this past Summer. Regular readers will recall that I made a list of goals back in May to accomplish this Summer. Nothing earth shaking mind you, but just a guideline as to how I wanted to spend Summer of 2023. Let’s go back and see how successful I was at reaching said goals.

Goal #1– I wanted to go walking more.
Started out well on this one, but I kind of petered out in late July/early August. Of course, this year we had both near record highs and flood level rains, but that only excuses so much. I have been doing better in the last week or two. Fortunately, going for a nice walk is just as much a Fall activity as it is a Spring or Summer one, so this can be a continuous goal.

Goal #2– I wanted to cook out more.
Again, kind of petered out in August, but I did manage to make a new recipe or two, and I got the grill back up and running this Labor Day weekend, so I’ll call this a success. Besides, there’s still time to do a few more cookouts before it gets cold. Who’s up for a brat?

Goal #3– More Family Fun Days.
Sadly, kind of a fail on this one. I had grand ideas about going to different spots around town once a week and really taking in all St. Louis has to offer. Unfortunately, life had other plans. I was still able to spend time with my kids both individually and together, so this was not a total fail, but things didn’t play out quite how I thought they would.

Goal #4-More SPORTSBALL
Okay, so I didn’t make it out to a St. Louis CITY FC soccer game like I wanted to. However, I did manage to take my son back to a Cardinals game earlier this month. They lost, but we still had fun, and great seats thanks to some last minute freebies coming in to my day job. This one’s a W.

Goal #5-Family Vacation
Check. It wasn’t as relaxing a vacation as I thought it would be, since there was way more driving involved than we originally planned, and more work and preparation than playtime. Still, I did learn that I am not a beach person so that’s something. I mean, I enjoyed the beach, but it’s not going to become my go-to vacation destination. I also got to spend some time with my cousin Terry and his family which was lovely. All in all, we managed to make some nice memories all around. Another W.

Goal #6-I wanted to just be.
The idea here was that I would slow down and just take in my surroundings this Summer, and try to feel some peace within my favorite season. Well, not so much. This Summer I lost a dog (RIP ELVIS) but gained a kitten. I ran myself ragged to the point of exhaustion more than a few times. I had a tooth pulled. I had a few doctor’s appointments that weren’t great news (nothing too serious-just getting older and more to deal with along those lines). There have been some emotional highs and lows, and a few false starts with some projects I’m working on. I’ve crashed out more than I’ve rested. In short, I’ve been too busy living the moment to be present in it. That’s something I really need to work on.

So, kind of a mixed bag in places, but I think the good has mostly outnumbered the bad this season, which just about all you can ask for. I hope you can say the same.

Okay, that’s it for this week. Thanks for reading. I’ll be back to the goofy stuff next week. Until then, take care of yourself and of one another, and I’ll see you back here next time for more MonDAVES.