Welcome, Summer!

Today I took a walk down to the mailbox with my three-year old nephew.  The afternoon was rolling away and the a/c had been running non-stop for the last twenty minutes.  So, when we stepped out the front door, the heat felt welcoming.  Greeted by white-yellow sunshine, the verdant green of the grass and trees overwhelmed us as we strolled hand-in-hand down the long drive to the box.  Mike chattered and "told me stories" (things he claims he's done, but never has).  I felt happy just to be outside, even as the sun grew hot on my neck, and happy to be holding this little guy's hand.  Together we carried the mail, freshly placed in our box by the mailman just one box (and twenty yards) away.  We talked about trips to the zoo, swimming, running through sprinklers, and softball games.  It's an afternoon for the grill and cool summer salads.  Alas, if only my family here ate that way!  I definitely think a trip to Monday's farmer's market at the Library is in order (if it's still on for Memorial Day), and if not, next Saturday I can no longer linger in bed.  I want some more asparagus and perhaps some zucchini and anything else that might be available.  Salads and grilled vegetables sound so good.  Welcome, summer!  Welcome, fresh produce, farmer's market, cook-outs, evenings on the patio, and mornings outside.    And I'm sure, as the heat waxes on, I'll be ready to trade in these sorts of things for Fall, sweaters and scarves, trips to the pumpkin patch and heating up the oven for braises and stews! :)