Summertime always manages to fly by. Perhaps due to the progression of the years, or being super busy, or doing the need to catch up things at home, but before I know it, it’s another Labor Day weekend.

From the bittersweetness of youth, I recall with fondness the feeling of freedom come July, the barbeques, the beach time, and time to spend with family and friends which I might not have otherwise. Summer comes and summer goes, and season follows season.

This summer in particular had its ups and downs. I did manage to clean out a few closets, read some wonderful books, write (a little bit more), and get to the gym (when I could). The high points being time with family, near and far, a visit to cousins in Ireland, a trip to family in Oklahoma, and the gathering with friends. I will carry those sweet memories with me into the cooling days of autumn. A road tour around the lovely picturesque towns in Cornwall, England which included a tour of the film setting for my beloved BBC show Doc Martin offered an opportunity to learn a bit more of British culture and history. The low point came with the death of my beloved dog Murphy. He had been in our family for eleven years, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. Summer had always been our quality time with trips to the parks and longer walks at sunset.

Soon it will be time to pack away the beach bag, the travel totes, and gear up for a busy autumn. Like the myriad photos captured by my phone’s camera, memories will be there for me to reflect upon and remind me that summer does return.