August 10, 2026, was a momentous day at my house. It was the day I realized I had to make my summer, because no one was going to make it for me!
You mean the season? I know I’m just a kid and might not understand everything, but I’m pretty sure people don’t get to control that kind of stuff.
True, 9. But this person, meaning me, has just recognized that summer is happening without them! Maybe it’s because of the smoky days keeping me inside. Maybe it’s being too serious, preparing for too many presentations, going to too many meetings.
Maybe it’s the realization four days ago that it was August 10th and I had yet to hang the café lights on the patio!
Insisting on summer: Bring on the patio cafe lights!
They do add a sophisticated flair to the evenings.
Glad you approve, Lily. To me they speak of long, hot days that segue into warm, pleasant evenings of wine and conversation. Usually at this point in summer I’ve had a friend or two over to do just that, but this year, what with the smoke and with everyone (including me) being busier than usual. . .
On the evenings I do sip a single 5-oz glass of red wine with dinner in true glucose-wary style if I’m lucky Hoosegow drops in for a chat, or, more likely, a nap somewhere in the vicinity.
Insisting on summer: Even if Hoosegow won’t take a minute to chat. . .
Maybe you should drink more?
Are you sure you’re just a kid, 9? I remember when you were 10, and the 5th-grade teacher wrote on your report card that you “had an adult sense of humor.” I don’t think she meant it as a compliment.
She’s really a forty-year-old trapped in a child’s body.
Excellent idea for a screenplay, Lily. I recommend you get moving on it before “Big” comes out in 1988.
Back to summer. Another seasonal marker needed to be deployed, especially this week with the Perseid meteor shower at its peak.
Insisting on Summer: Anticipating the Perseid meteor shower!
Don’t we have two of those?
Yes, and I will set the other one up if you and Lily decide to spend the night in material form instead of in my head. As it is, one chair suffices for the three of us, and Hoosegow, too. He summoned me at 4:30 yesterday morning, with just enough time to adjust my eyes and see one very fantastic meteor jetting from north to west across the northern sky. Maybe tonight I’ll stay up later or get up earlier and see some more. . .
Because summer. It only comes once a year.
