Summer's End

August 1st is back to school for me. It seems like the wierdest time to end my summer, because it gets so hot here in August and summer is just getting into full gear. The sun is baking as I walk out of our climate controlled building and slide into hot leather seats. My car's air conditioner isn't working the greatest and it doesn't even begin to cool the interior by the time I reach home about 15 minutes later. Driving home is usually a time for me to unwind and think about my family. Glen and I slip into our post-vacation routine easily, so once I am home, I don't realize it is so disagreeable outside until I step out to water the thirsty plants and get attacked by a swarm of biting mosquitos! Still, I am not ready to let go of summer.

Summer is a time for reading grown-up books rather than "kid" books. I have read many wonderful books over my summer vacation. But the dearest to my heart is an old story by Betty Smith called, "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn." Francie is the main character and the story is a fictionalized account of her childhood growing up with a strong mother and an alcoholic father. Smith does a wonderful job pacing her story and building wonderful characters to fall in love with. If you haven't read it, I suggest you put it on your list.

Other big news in our family at summer's end is that Adrienne started her new job today! I can't wait to hear all about it and I am sure she is going to do well.

Welcome to the world of paychecks and TGIF!