I know it’s the end of August, and I was there two weeks ago when the mums arrived at the A&P. But, it’s too soon! I am not ready for fall. It feels like summer only just arrived. 
Right now, I’m groovin’ on the sunflowers, pink phlox and Black-eyed Susan, bobbin’ in the breeze. Our butterfly bush and hummingbird feeder are still packing ‘em in. Even the potted petunias are still perky.
I mean, I’m not sick of zucchini yet, so I’m definitely not ready for “hearty mums.” Don’t be me wrong, I like the idea of a plant that has “hearty” as part of it’s name. It says, I’m going to be here for you. The rest of your blooms may kick the bucket, but I’ll hang in there as long as I can. Being a Mainer, I identify with that.
But, I’m not ready to let go of the softness of summer, to let go of having supper on the deck, the smell of new mown grass, fresh flowers from the garden perking up the house, of painting my toe nails. No! I’m not ready for naked toe nails!
The older I get, the more I appreciate sweet summer here in Maine. I mean, really appreciate it. Not just the sunshine and warmer temps, though those are nice. But the smells and colors, the social stuff, and the bigness of the world.
Winter is for hunkering down. It’s time spent hold up in your house, rushing from the car inside, from inside to the car. It’s probably good for us to hibernate like that, especially after the holidays.
But summer, that’s a whole other thing. From the tiny buds on the trees and shrubs to that first pop of color when the forsythia starts to bloom, and crocuses, and daffodils summer is big and active and so darn hopeful.
I have to remind myself that September is a beautiful month here in Mahoosuc Mills (don’t tell the tourists), and I know we have some summer warm days ahead. It ain’t over ‘til it’s over, so let’s enjoy every minute of it. There’s plenty of good sleeping weather ahead, but for now, I’m going to drink in the sights, smells, and joys of summer. I’m going to paint my toe nails, go get a Peanut Buster Parfait, and sit on the deck as much as I can.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Too Soon
Ida has a new show!
September 8 & 9: Makin’ Whoopie!, ACT ONE Beyond Festival, http://actonenh.org/ Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm, Portsmouth, NH
September 15 & 16: Makin’ Whoopie!, ACT ONE Beyond Festival, http://actonenh.org/ Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2:00pm, Portsmouth, NH
September 29 & 30: Makin’ Whoopie!, The Footlights Theatre, http://www.thefootlightsinfalmouth.com/ Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Falmouth, ME
Also coming up in September
September 18: Book Reading, Franco-Amercian Centre, http://umaine.edu/francoamerican/University of Maine, 6:00pm, Orono, ME
September 19: Book Reading, Old Town Library, http://old-town.lib.me.us/ Tuesday Forum Luncheon: 11am-1pm, FREE catered light lunch is served from 11am-12pm with presentation from 12-1pm, call to reserve, Old Town, ME
September 19: Book Reading, Dirigo Pines Retirement Community, http://www.dirigopines.com/ 7:15pm, Orono, ME
With Caitlin’s help, I’ve finally learned to update the schedule on my website. Check it out here: http://www.idaswebsite.com/schedule/