where did summer go?

Yesterday evening we had our first real picnic of the summer, and I thought, "It's nearly the end of August. Where did the summer go?" We haven't been to a beach or even a swimming pool once. We went on a couple short hikes in a local park, but never out of the city. We did go strawberry and blueberry picking, although we were too late for my favourite, raspberries. Mr. Mitten has limited holiday time, since he took so long off for parental leave, so we didn't have a vacation (besides being a little short of holiday money because we bought a house). Lev and I didn't even spend that much time out in the backyard, as I had envisioned in the spring. Also, my garden has been less than successful, and a bit frustrating for someone who's supposed to be a gardener.

I suppose some of this lack of summery activity was due to the crummy weather. Lots of rain and cool temperatures for June and July, then hot and humid for much of August. Both make me feel like being inside where we can be comfortable. Also, Lev is a little too young to make it really worth the expense of a pool membership, and none of the beaches around here can compare to the mountain lakes I swam in as a kid (although I don't envy B.C. the hot and dry summer they've had).

Instead of feeling bad for not taking advantage of summer this year, I'm trying to think of ways to make next year more fun. I can only hope the weather will be better, but Lev will be one year older, and I won't need to worry as much about wet or heat. Mr. Mitten will have more holiday time, so we can plan for some sort of vacation - maybe just camping, a trip to the East Coast, or to B.C. to visit my family (any of those will include a nice beach). We're going to expand the garden and put a fence around it, so I don't lose so many tomatoes and zucchini to the squirrels and skunks! I'm going to plant a tree in our backyard too, so there's a wee bit of shade.

And who knows? Maybe this Autumn will be lovely. It is my favourite season, and I find it hard to remain inside when the sun is shining and there's a cool breeze. I'll also have lots of fun in the garden, tearing up the front flower beds to redesign them, and digging a bed for raspberries.

My cup of tea is nearly done, and I have a long list of things to accomplish before the weekend. Hopefully I'll be back soon with some photos for you, instead of just rambling words :o)