It’s here! One of the most fun times of the year. In the words of writer and journalist Charles Bowden, “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” Reflecting on my summer experiences over the years, I see them mostly as little snippets of time, moments that stand out and memories that hold significance in my mind and heart. As I go through some of my favorites by category, try to recall some of your best summertime moments from the past.
For instance, when most people think of our beloved Krispy Kreme Donuts, they think of the delicious, sweet aroma inside their restaurants or the “Hot and Now” red sign all lit up, meaning fresh donuts are currently coming off the line. For me, though, it’s the sound of the teenage boys and girls yelling off the back of pickup trucks as they rode through Lakewood Family Campground in Myrtle Beach in the early morning hours, “Donuts! Get your donuts!” I loved hearing that sound because it meant we would get donuts for dessert in addition to the mouthwatering smell of bacon, sausage and eggs being cooked outside at campsites including ours. They always sold out in one pass through the campground, so you had to be ready. Donuts are about as exciting to adults as the ice cream truck is for kids.
I remember the abundance of family friendly fairs in Kernersville, Clemmons, Lewisville and more, which we took our children to visit over the spring/summer break. For years, it seemed like everywhere we turned during this time were giant inflatables which we simply had to stop and partake in. My boys would say we must do it because “it’s tradition!” A mantra I used to get my boys’ attention and excitement whenever we were going somewhere special.
As for lake memories, I’ve got a million of them, and get this, I’ve never owned a boat in my life. I’ll admit, it pays to have friends and relatives with one, though. From across Virginia, including the Chesapeake Bay (crab fishing), Philpott Lake (water skiing and the official site of our high school senior skip day) and Smith Mountain Lake (boating and camping), to North Carolina and beautiful Lake Norman with my cousin and his family (for everything from boating to rafting/tubing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and a grand 4th of July fireworks show over the water).
My pool memories are divided into sections. As a young child, it was learning to swim during those early 8:00 a.m. lessons when the water felt freezing cold. Then, growing up playing basketball in the gym and jumping in the pool afterward (showering off first, of course). Next, there was taking my kids to the pool (a full circle moment), especially when they were little and watching them enjoy playing with an abundance of water toys. Today, sitting under the shade of an umbrella with a cold beverage and snacks is more my speed.
In a unique tradition I lovingly proclaimed as “Festival in the Yard,” my parents would invite my grown siblings, extended family and friends to their house for a fun-filled July 4th celebration. It included badminton, croquet, occasionally Par 2 golf, a baby pool and a giant canopy over picnic tables of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, slaw and baked beans. Later that evening, we would all sit around the handcrank ice cream maker, watching my dad and others making homemade vanilla ice cream. Stopping only occasionally to add more rock salt to the ice. There’s something about the thought of cold ice cream at the end of a hot day that makes it that much more enjoyable.
Next are the summer concerts. Whether it’s a major act at an outdoor venue, a beach music festival in Stuart, Virginia or at the Lewisville Town Square, music in the summertime has a different vibe to it. My favorite place of all, however, to listen to music outdoors in the summer is also what I consider my ultimate “happy place.” That is, relaxing on an oceanfront balcony at the beach overlooking the pool party below with a DJ playing the latest hits, and me in the shade with a cool beverage, participating in a not-so-unique pastime of people watching and grooving to the music in my own very subtle way (that is, very little movement).
I’m just starting to realize a trend forming here in that many of my favorite summertime memories occur around water. I left out mountain hiking, which I also enjoy, but it usually involves a waterfall somewhere along the way. Again, more water. Makes sense. My astrological sign is Cancer, and apparently, I naturally like being around water which is true for me anyway.
Did I drum up any old memories for you along the way? If so, great, because it’s time to get excited again. Summertime is here, and in the words of the warm weather sensation himself, Jimmy Buffett, “It’s five o’clock somewhere!”
Musical Selection:
Jai Wolf – Indian Summer (Official Music Video)
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