Ahh, the first day of summer has come and gone.  The longest day of the year – but for those of us living in the Northeast, the close of this day wasn’t marked by fading sunlight – but instead a gray dusk and rain showers – you only would have noticed this if you had come out on the deck of your ark long enough to take it in.  We’ve had over 8 inches of rain so far this month – almost triple the average; I haven’t even had to turn on the air conditioner.

However, no matter how lousy the weather, there is something about that first day of summer.  You can almost take a step backwards.  You can let your guard down a bit, and relax your shoulders.  All of a sudden the routine of managing multiple schedules and carpools and activities … is over.  We can breathe.  Long leisurely walks, lazy reading in the hammock, a refreshing dip in a pool or lake or ocean … picnics for dinner.  No morning alarm clock for the kids.  No place to rush to first thing in the morning (well, at least for the unemployed).  Lots of outside time.

With this great opportunity of summer before us, I always think about how to make it extra special or set it apart from all the rest.  Of course some of the best days are the lazy ones, where you let your whims guide you.  Do any of you have any special summer traditions that you want to share?