Summer’s Whimsey
Summer is the topsy-turvy season when the goldfish have to be boarded out while the family goes on a fishing trip.
~~ Unknown
As we Boomers get older, I've noticed that many of us tend to assume the Mantle of Responsibility our parents held before us. We begin to feel that because we have lived a relatively long time, others we encounter -- especially younger people -- can't wait to hear our advice or opinions. It ain't necessarily so.
Just yesterday as I attempted to drive past a little girl on a bicycle who had fallen far behind her father on his own bike, I felt the need to say out loud to no one in particular, "That father shouldn't have gotten so far ahead of her." That might be true, it probably was true, but I don't think he wanted to hear it from an older, know-it-all parent like me.
This summer, I suggest we let go of some of that need to be vigilant, and use this season as an excuse to kick back and let the good times roll.
What better season is there to be silly than summer? Summer's blazing colors, ease of movement and longer days are perfectly suited for doing something different. When else would you dare:
- put on a pair of comfortable red shorts and a faded orange shirt and go out to the mall after working in the yard?
- buy -- and wear -- sandals with tiny butterflies attached to the straps that take flight while you walk?
- resurrect that baseball hat you got free at a clambake years ago? (That's right, the hat your wife has been telling you to throw out for years. That 3-D clam perched on top of the hat may be looking a little worse for wear, but everyone should be required to own one of these.)
Summer days are so short. Before we know it, fall and its cooler days will be here and we’ll once again turn our attention indoors. But until that time, let's party.
Here are some suggestions for getting a little crazy. Better yet, come up with some of your own.
- Squirt something! When's the last time you held a squirt gun in your hand? Or threw a Frisbee? Or waved a bubble wand in the air? Visit the local dollar store for all your squirting, Frisbee and bubble needs. Pick up a few extras for your neighborhood block party.
- Dust off your bicycle and forge a new trail. Even if you don't live in a city that is noted for its bicycle trails, there are plenty of highways and by-ways near you to explore no matter where you live. One note of caution: You might want to work your way up to taking a long trip, especially if your quad muscles haven't done “the bicycle” in a while.
- Only dine at restaurants where you can eat outside and imagine yourself in Paris or other exotic locales.
- Add some whimsy to your garden. Garden centers are carrying entire lines of tin bugs, garden flags and stony gargoyles. Pick up a few items and dress up your landscaping. Lawn balls – of all things -- are indeed enjoying a comeback. Place one front-and-center in your yard and watch to see how many cars slow down to get a glimpse.
- Aside from your vacation, which I'm hoping is long and relaxing, try to take a few shorter trips this summer, too. Visit one of the sport Halls of Fame. Take yourself out to a ballgame at a new-to-you baseball yard, including those for minor league teams. This summer may be your chance to visit Las Vegas, the biggest adult amusement park in the world. Everyone's got to see it at least once. Or pick up a new hobby that you can enjoy on these days of added sunshine.
By Teresa K. Flatley
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