I’m one of the few people who eagerly awaits summer and its rocketing temps.

Long, sunny days. Weekend afternoons at the pool. Fireflies in the evening.

I also enjoy the more relaxed nature of our weekday mornings. No scramble for a belt to wear with the uniform. No search for the socks needed for the mandatory closed-toe shoes. The kids just throw on shorts and flip-flops and we’re out the door in no time.

Now that I’m back on the meds, I don’t fear the coming winter months like I used to. Let’s just say I don’t handle gray, wet and gloomy very well. I’m perfectly capable of cultivating my depression without the aid of dreary winter weather.

Still.

I hate being cold. The thick clump of winter coats, hats and gloves hanging from the much-hated hall tree annoys me. And I can’t stand sweaters. They itch. And, if they’re turtlenecks, I feel like I’m suffocating.

There’s not anything I can do to stop the seasons from changing, and I really can’t afford a cattle ranch in Big Bend, where the heat is dry, days are long and sunshine is a major player.

And really, an Arkansas fall is lovely, no?

But before I bid summer ’09 farewell, let’s take a look back at some happy afternoons of old, shall we?

Seaworld with Nana and Granddaddy

Little man did not like his SeaWorld hat.

Shamu makes me happy.

Concentrating hard during June recital rehearsal

My baby heads for first.