One of the many things I love about living in Minnesconsin is that there are 4 distinct seasons. This is not the case in every part of the U.S. or other countries, for that matter.

Historically, I’ve thought of fall as being my favorite season. Not too hot, and not too cold. Or spring, when new life is beginning to bloom, the grass is starting to green up, and we all know that summer is on the horizon. Winter, I’m not too fond of.

But summer is something else. I especially appreciate it after a cooler than usual spring this year.

Do you live in a place that has distinct seasons?

There are so many sweet little delights about the summer season in my mind.

My top 8:

1. That feeling of exhiliration that comes when you emerge from a jump into a cold lake. How your heart beats so fast. How the sun’s rays feel on your wet skin, like a hug from the universe.
2. Spontaneous ice-cream runs. I recently discovered smores flavored ice cream at our local general store. So decadent!
3. Running through sprinklers on a hot, humid day. I recently bought a new one to enjoy in the yard on hot days with our grandsons. I’m hoping to put it to use next weekend when we celebrate the youngest’s first birthday.
4. The lovely, peaceful beauty I get to enjoy on my drive to work in the mornings. The little country road with a lots of curves and dips, surrounded on either side by lush vegetation is a really pleasant way to start my day.
5. Flowers. I’ve got a new one I am totally in love with. I’ve never seen anything like it. Daisies in various shades of yellow, orange, and red. And there’s our butterfly garden, which is slightly unkempt but wild and beautiful nonetheless.
6. Speaking of flowers, the smell of lilacs is absolutely delightful to me. We planted a couple of lilac trees in our butterfly garden last summer, but they failed to bloom. Mr. NOA recently replanted one of them in a different spot and it seems to like it there quite a bit. No blooming yet, but thankfully the smell of our neighbors lilacs wafts our way when the wind is right.
7. Going to Farmer’s Markets. There is the one we typically go to on summer Saturday mornings, but there’s a couple of other ones nearby on different days that I have yet to check out. I adore soaking in the energy and sense of community found in these spaces.
8. Dining al fresco. Whether on our little deck or at one of our local restaurants with outdoor seating, sipping a refreshing beverage and breaking bread with others in the open air is a true delight.

Please share in the comments what your special summer delights are!

To cap this little blog post off today, here’s a song that is all about sweet summer vibes. Enjoy, and Happy Summer!