YAY! IT'S SUMMER!!!

It's here!  The beginning of Summer!  Something about the 3-day Memorial day weekend, the last day of school (for us, it's today) and warmer temperatures just say - it's Summer! Even though the "official" first day of Summer isn't until the Summer Solstice on June 21st, most of us consider this weekend in America our beginning of the season.

As I was going about my morning routine, I over-heard on the news (I'm usually "over-hearing" everything on the morning news, as I'm doing breakfast, chores, etc. - not actually watching!) that AAA is expecting an increase in the number of people traveling this weekend - up about a million and-a-half people over last year.  They attributed this to the fact that many people are just getting "tired" of staying at home, and are finally venturing out for some much-needed relaxation.  Hey - I say GO FOR IT ...and it's a good sign for the economy!

Our family will not be heading anywhere special this weekend, but we will be hosting a cook-out for friends and family.  First thing I did was check the weather forecast...uh-oh.  Intermittent thunder-showers all weekend.  My boys and husband have each asked me whether we'll still have the picnic because of the forecast.  I said - yes - why not?  Rain or shine, we'll open up the garage, put extra tables out there, (we don't have a very big deck) and still have a great time!  After all, my hubby has grilled in the rain many times before!  Hey - when you want a party or celebration bad enough, nothing should stand in your way.

And what a great way to begin this season of vacations, picnics, baseball, time-off, out-door projects, etc., than by remembering those who made this joyful freedom possible?  We Americans are so blessed that we have the ability to enjoy doing and going wherever we care to ... even if we stop for only a brief moment this weekend, the sacrifices made by our men and women in each branch of our nation's military should be recognized and brought to mind.  Most of us in the U.S. haven't experienced other cultures around the globe - to us, our freedoms and privileges have become things that we don't even consider on a daily basis any more.  There are still places in the world where you cannot freely attend the church of your choice whenever and wherever you wish.

So, even though we might get rain, or we don't have the most elaborate patio or deck, or we're not able to leave for some other great vacation destination...we will be celebrating.  The blessings of family, friends, good food - it's enough.  Nothing better than the smell of all-American hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, kids laughing, everybody chattering at once, music playing in the background....we Americans do that rather well, don't ya think?

Happy Summer!  And while enjoying your freedom to worship, play and love under the sun, don't forget to take a moment to remember so many who gave their lives for us, our children, and our children's children.

Pay it forward - spread a smile!

Photos courtesy of Google images.