the end of summer

It is the end of summer.

The air has turned cold here in Utah.

Even though technically it is still summer, I can feel the bite of fall.

School, football, pools closing, fall flowers, and the slow demise of my summer garden all lead me to believe that the fall season has begun.

Although I do prefer summer, I love the heat of the sun, the endlessly long days, swimming, picnics, BBQ's, running through the sprinklers, and sliding on a slip n' slide.

Fall has its good points too.

The fiery leaves, the fashionable sweaters and boots, (not that I have many)

the smell of pencils and new clothes, the roar of a crowd at a football game,

hot meals that warm up the house.

And yet...

The end of summer is a sad time of year, like listening to laughter being carried away with the wind. There for only a moment and then gone with the lingering scent trailing behind.

The end of summer brings with it memories of the fun that was had throughout the season and promises of doing them again the next summer.

The end of summer might be filled with regret for those things we didn't get to do, but it comes to an end anyway and we make plans for the fall and soon forget about what we never did.

I will take just a moment to morn the end of summer.

Only a moment...

Because there are things to enjoy,

places to go,

games to play,

and life to live.

So long summer, we'll look forward to seeing you next year.