Last day of summer...

I would like autumn if only it wasn't followed by winter.

And so it is a sad day as I say my goodbyes to summer.
But in honour of my favourite season, here is a pic of one of my favourite places in the world, on a beautiful summers day.

"sigh"

Summer lovin...

I love summer as you know, and one of the very best things is opportunity to pick fruit and vegetables straight from the garden.

I don't have anything edible in my pots anymore as I gave that up years ago when I found my stuff was being 'taken' by fellow residents before I could get to them...

But my Dad grows lovely tomatoes and the best corn and 'to die for' snow peas!

Mmmm mmm.

*This photo was taken at a friend's home recently, and were not the fruits of my Dad's labour, but you get the picture, right.

If it's so damn hot, why do I feel like I'm living in a fridge?

I love the summer and I love the heat.

I love the feeling of warm sunshine on my back. I love warm mornings where the wind is soft and the light cast by the early morning sun is a pale gold.

I love swimming in the ocean and the instant drop in body temperature. I love floating on the waves with my painted toes bobbing on the surface, rising and dropping with the rhythm of the ocean. I love standing on the beach, with my feet greeting the waves and sinking in the sand as my skin prickles with the drying of salt water on my skin.

I love going barefoot. I love tanned skin and white smiles. I love ice-cream and coke spiders.

I love the smell of a storm after a long hot day. Steam rising from heat soaked surfaces, the smell of plants drinking deeply and breathing a cool sigh of relief.

I love hot summer nights and tall ice-filled drinks. I love sleeping with nothing but a sheet.

I love it. And even when the temperature rises to the low 40's as it has here in the last couple of days, I refuse to complain. Because at least it isn't winter.

And yet, there is one thing I hate about summer... because as the summer heats up and the inevitable complaining of summer-haters hits full force, the inside air temperature inevitably drops as the air conditioning is turned to high. There is no escaping as you enter shopping centres, movie theatres and offices and are subject to icy conditions that would be considered uncomfortable in winter.

I hate the over use of air conditioning. I spend my summer work days unable to escape and unable to appreciate the seasonal passing. I have to take additional clothes to avoid frostbite! I understand and appreciate that cooling is needed for a comfortable work environment, what I do not understand is having to contend with these goosebump inducing conditions at temperatures way below the comfort level.

And my discomfort is nothing in comparison to the environmental implications and additional drain on electricity supplies. Come on people... pull down the shades when the sun is at it's hottest, open the windows when there is a cool breeze, drink long cool drinks and take a swim if you can... embrace the seasons and soak up the summer while you can.

And please please please, turn down the aircon!

Summer breeze makes me feel fine...

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind