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Where I live here in Nebraska, we can always tell that it’s summer when:
- The corn in the fields grows high enough that we have to stop at the intersections on all the county roads because it’s impossible to see if anyone is coming.
- When the hum of spray planes in the distance becomes a constant sound, with the occasional plane buzzing low enough over the house to make the windows rattle.
- When the fireflies come out.
- When the county fair begins. Walking through the exhibits and animal barns is always a must, but my family is also partial to the free rodeo.
- When the younger kids start hunkering down in the pool all afternoon
- When the weeds in the garden sprout overnight.
- When the grill gets put to regular use. Pork chops. Steaks. Hotdogs. You name it.
- When the family brakes for garage sales. The bigger the sale the better.
- When garden goodies cover the counter.
- When the farmer’s markets begin.
- When the hay is cut and baled, stockpiled for the winter.
- When the mosquitoes and flies come out in hordes.
- When temperatures soar and the family turns to ice water and ceiling fans for reprieve.
To me, that sounds like a pretty thorough definition of summer.
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So unbelievable that summer is almost over already!