It seems strange to write about the end of summer when it’s only just begun in Seattle. The weather here is famously gloomy, even during the sun-basking months of June and July. Yes, it’s kind of a bummer; but “carpe diem” takes on new meaning on a spectacular sunny day in the Pacific Northwest.
In the spirit of seizing the last rays of summer sunshine – wherever you are – try these 10 soul-soothing summer activities. Save the pictures for a little shot of warmth in December.
1. Go for a swim.
In a pool. In a lake. In a river. In the ocean. Whatever works. Sure, you can swim year round at an indoor pool; but nothing says summer like a dip in the ocean. (Not to mention that swimming is great exercise, especially if you’re recovering from an injury.)
2. Paddle a boat.
Kayaking is my favorite. If you’re into wildlife, silently gliding around the edge of a lake in a kayak is a great way to see some critters. (I’m still waiting for a moose sighting at my dad’s place in the Adirondacks, but I have gotten up close and personal with a few loons and otters.)
3. Make a pie.
Blackberries are bursting off bushes here in Seattle and in other parts of North America. A classic late summer fruit, blackberries are yummy in pies, cobblers, and on top of vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling particularly industrious, you can try making some blackberry jam. (Send me some?)
4. Go bare.
I don’t know about you, but I desperately miss my summer dresses during colder times of year. Make sure your favorite gets at least one more outing from your closet before the chill rolls in.
5. Meet a farmer.
Farmers markets in most of the country will wrap it up in late September or early October. (I’m very grateful for the year-round Ballard Farmers Market.) Not only can you find meal-planning inspiration from the piles of produce, but you can meet the people who actually grow your food. Chat with a farmer before summer’s gone.
6. Have a scoop.
Ice cream!!!! Need I say more? (If you’re in Seattle, try Molly Moon’s.)
7. Sit on the stoop.
When I think of “sitting on the stoop,” I think of my summers living in NYC. The few times I was lucky enough to live in a building that had a front stoop (it’s all about brownstones), one of my favorite summer activities was grabbing an ice cream or an iced coffee and lolling away a Sunday afternoon on the stoop, watching the world go by. But a stoop isn’t mandatory for summer lolling – make like my friends Scott and Lynn who, every Thursday afternoon in the summer, break out beer and summer food and invite the neighborhood to their yard (driveway, actually) for a visit.
8. Sip and savor.
Have a glass of rose‘ and bowl of cherries (if you can still find them), savoring every last summer drop.
9. Make a s’more.
Camp fire + graham crackers + chocolate + marshmallows. Mmmmm.
10. Make a list.
Fall is a time of new beginnings for many. That “back to school” vibe never really fades, even for grown-ups. What new projects will you begin this fall?
What’s still on your summer “bucket list”?
xo,
