Okay, summer is coming to an end faster than I would like. It seems like I was just making a pinky swear with my friend that committed me to writing again. It also helps that she edits my work. It’s like double accountability.
I must say that pinky swear was like two 10-year-old girls at summer camp promising to write to each other when they got home. I guess now, they’ll DM each other, but I like the old-fashioned images of a letter in the mail. In addition to the pinky swear, there was a commitment to get together and journal and go paddleboarding. By the way, if you haven’t been on a paddleboard, stop what you are doing and go try it. It’s the most relaxing yet wonderful sort of exercise that this over 50-year-old has done in a long time.
I love summer for so many reasons. I have a dear friend who gave me a journal a couple of years ago and told me to make my summer bucket list. I have to admit that the first year it wasn’t easy coming up with ideas for things I wanted to do. Fast forward three years, and I have a long list of things. They range from little to big. Simple to grand.
Here’s just a snippet of what I’ve been up to this summer. I love soft-serve ice cream. In fact, I’ve been known to travel for great soft serve. I’ve hit the ice cream trail and have been looking for the creamiest, most delicious soft serve I can find. Currently in first place is Happy Cow Creamery–a little gem that is just a 20-minute drive from Frederick, MD. In addition to the delightful treat waiting for you, you’ll also find a lovely picnic spot and working farm.
This month I’m headed to a county fair to watch harness racing. My parents and I would always go to Dayton, Ohio, and watch the races. It’s a childhood memory I want to recreate this summer. My Dad had this tiny Fiat convertible– and I would be in the jump seat and we would drive from Western PA to Ohio with me cramped in the back of the car. My parents seemed happy during those small trips and it’s nice to have a warm memory of them together.
What else? I’ll be practicing my French, as I get ready to head back to Paris in October. I’m working on my swimming strokes and making sure to play with my granddaughter. I’m now a Maryland girl, so crabs are a must.
I hope that you’ve been having a great summer. Mine’s been great. Actually one of the best in recent years. Next up, my girl’s road trip to Brimfield, Massachusetts.