The cool water reminded me of the few times we were allowed to play in water using the water hose. Then we upgraded to a Slip and Slide. Being outside wasn’t the fun part. It was the privilege of getting my hair and clothes wet. This was a rarity. I declare if I inhale hard enough I can catch a whiff of the smell of wet hair and Ultra Sheen hair grease.
Then there were family trips. You would think we were preparing to fly to another country judging by the excitement (which made us unable to sleep) and how much food was packed. I hated the fact that we would be outside all day whether it was the beach or King’s Dominion. However, I loved being amongst by cousins. Because our parents were engrossed in their conversations, we could talk about anything and laugh about everything without being reprimanded.
How did I forget about July the 4th at the Town’s Common? I didn’t care about the fireworks. I was more interest in what FRESH (yes, I wrote that) outfit. I remember the airbrushed t-shirts and biker shorts. Then there was the year we wore the Esprit pajama short sets outside. The freedom of walking Downtown with my friends, hanging out all day and walking home in the dark made enduring all the heat worthwhile.
I guess the best part of the summer was Labor Day. This was the point when I could relax…summer was almost over. It was the time to go back to school after we had our family reunion. Back in the days, we just had one reunion and all the families came together. We would be outside all day. Well of course, I would go in to get something in the house and didn’t return for hours. I just stayed out the adults’ way. My grandmother house and yard would be so full. I would hear my great-aunts and uncles in their cutting up, laughing and singing. This was a treat because in those days youn’uns weren’t allowed to sit amongst the grown folks…”tending to their business”. The joy of your cousins “from the city” coming was almost too much to bear. I knew I would be staying up late and swapping stories to catch up.
Whew, finally mom would pull out the undershirts (now we call them t-shirts) and pack away the shorts and sundresses. We would go shopping for school clothes. And, the Pitt County Fair would be right around the corner. I always believed the Fair was bringing the cool air to us every year. Once the last stuffed animal was packed and the remaining rides disassembled, I could finally relax. The dog days of sweet, summer was gone and the fabulous days of fall were knocking at my door!
In all things pray and seek the Lord. Allow Him to help you make decisions-not Kooley! These are just my thoughts, opinion and experiences.
