As a nature-lover, I'm so happy to be a lifelong resident of the Northeastern United States, because we experience all four seasons in relatively equal durations. I have some friends in Florida and California with young children who have never seen snow, except on television or in movies. (My own children are incredulous about this fact.) Sure, there are some dark days in January when I wish it were about 20 degrees warmer, but for the most part, I relish the differences in the seasons. Now, as summer is winding down and the kids are already back to school, I'm reminded of a classic book for children called Frederick by Leo Lionni, in which a little mouse gathers all his memories of the sunny days of summer so that he will be able to warm his friends with poetic recollections in the winter. Quite simply, he thinks about what he will miss about the season. So, here's what I will miss about summer:
Fresh basil and tomatoes growing on the porch.
The sound of peepfrogs at night.
Fireflies.
The view from our living room window of a full hedge of Rose of Sharon...
Walking the dog without a jacket.
Star-gazing in the back yard without shivering.
Chipmunks...
Studying insects up-close...
Speaking of studying insects up-close, there's a gorgeous new hardcover book for children called Step Gently Out by Helen Frost, with stunning close-ups of insects by photographer Rick Lieder. Now, I'm not a person who is squeamish about bugs, but even some friends of mine who are otherwise (hmmm, how shall we say it?) "unthrilled" about them found the photographs in this book captivating. It's one of my favorite new nature photography books, and our school's Green Team just chose it as one of our selections for the teachers' back-to-school gifts. (Shhh! Don't tell the teachers...the books haven't arrived yet!) I also like the message that it subtly imparts to children about not fearing insects (or being cruel to them), but instead being fascinated by them and seeking them out.
What else will I miss about summer? Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner outdoors.
Days that last until 8:30 p.m.
Reading a book while lounging barefoot in an Adirondack chair...
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Triple-berry pie from Sun High Orchards.
Just picked corn-on-the-cob. (New Jersey prides itself on sweet corn and blueberries.)
I'll tell you one thing about summer that I definitely will NOT miss: Stinkhorns!
The Stinkhorn has got to be the most vile fungus ever! With its brownish-black, sticky goop on the tip that attracts flies (which spread around the spores), they can sprout up to full height (about six inches) in just a few hours. I've never experienced a faster-growing or more annoying plant in my life, and this is coming from somebody who has suffered terrible rashes from poison ivy. To get rid of Stinkhorns, you've got to dig up their nasty white eggs (attached to the red stalk) and throw them out in sealed bags. Then you've got to dig around in the neighboring soil and search for the eggs that haven't sprouted yet. Toss those out, too, and not in the woods or they'll sprout up all over the place. When these little devils first started appearing in our mulch after a heavy rainfall, I was researching what they were called on the internet and I literally googled "disgusting red mushroom with brown tip." Scores of photos of the offending plant immediately popped up, along with hilarious descriptions from other people vexed by them. I also discovered the Latin name of the Stinkhorn: Phallus Impudicus. I don't think I need to translate "phallus" for you, but "impudicus" means "shameless or immodest." At least I got a laugh out of that translation! But since this blog is called Joyfully Green and not Disgusted By Gross Stuff, I'll get back to the things I really will miss. (Phew...rant officially over.)
I'll miss this stage of our Japanese Maple trees, just as they switch from green to red...
I'll miss trees thick with lush, green leaves and dappled with golden light...
I'll miss Dairy Queens everywhere, Yogurt Land in Denville, and Taylor's Homemade Ice Cream in Chester (the latter two stay open in the colder months, but it's just not the same).
And most of all, I'll miss the long, lingering days with my children...
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© 2012 by Joy Sussman/JoyfullyGreen.com. All rights reserved. Photos and text digitally fingerprinted and protected by MyFreeCopyright.com. Site licensed by Creative Commons.
As my son said (9) "the best thing about school starting is that in order to end it has to start"! So let's look forward to next summer!
Posted by: Brenda | 09/10/2012 at 07:13 AM
That is hilarious, Brenda! We can always count on the kids for the words of wisdom!
Posted by: Joy | 09/10/2012 at 07:45 AM
Thanks for directing me here, Joy. I love your bee shot - and the beautiful flower and blue sky. The perspective makes me feel like I'm an insect myself. :-)
Posted by: Debi | 04/08/2013 at 03:49 PM