So Long Summer

Well, this week we say so long to summer and hello school. Although I am gearing up my back to school mindset, thoughts of a memorable vacation still linger as Jimmy Buffett sings about a lovely cruise on the iPod next to me, and as usual, my mind begins to wander. I look out my window and the big, old oak trees in my yard fall away in my imagination, and become gently swaying palms on a sandy beach, the sun warm above me and the sand between my toes. My daydreaming is interrupted by my daughter asking me if we are going to buy new sneakers today. The kids know that unless we desperately need them, I don't buy new sneakers at the end of the school year because all we wear on our feet during summer is flip-flops since we are either on the water boating, or in the water swimming. So, I guess we are off to the shoe store, but first I want to make a list of our summer vacation highlights while Jimmy still sings to me in the background. This list is to remember those really "good for the soul" moments, the ones that remind us what life is all about. It is so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily schedules and activities that we don't make enough time for the fun stuff. So here it is to help me keep things in perspective as the school year winds back up.

Fun in the Sun and Good for the Soul Moments,
Summer '09:

Friends
Family
Boating
Shelling
the Keys
Fishing
Swimming
Snorkeling
Colorful coral reefs
Spotted Eagle Rays
Manatees
Dolphins
Crystal clear turquoise waters
Moonlight kayaking
Steinhatchee
Scalloping
Tubing
Skiing
Cookouts
Fireworks
Afternoon thunderstorms
Any thunderstorms!
Cayo Costa
Deserted beaches
Warm sand between the toes
Jimmy Buffett's music playing
Palm trees and ocean breezes
Sunsets