The Joys of Summer 2024

Now that it is almost over, I can reflect back on the summer of 2024 using a variety of different adjectives. At times it was exhausting and stressful as we coped with The Old Guy’s second knee replacement surgery. It has been over two months and we have found recovery slower than expected. I think because he had been exercising for six months prior, he was expecting recovery to be magical of sorts–much easier than the last time. So disappointment hovered over his days. I also think that the tally of having two major surgeries in a single year was hard on his body in general and lethargy became his norm. Frustration, an off-and-on state for both of us. 

Yet there was also joy. The weather was beautiful this summer enabling us to spend lots of time outside. The humidity was only close to unbearable for about two weeks. There were no forest fires in our area or other emergency situations. The days gently rolled from one to the next and I found myself appreciating certain things that I enjoy in the summer even more than usual. Things like:

Gardening – From putting around and weeding to moving shrubs and trees as I reimagined an area where we had to take a privacy fence down, it has been a very busy and rewarding gardening season. It started in April thanks to a lovely spring, followed by a couple of lulls in July when the humidity was a bit much and the old guy needed transportation to his many post knee replacement appointments; but I got back at it in late August, and I expect to continue into October. There are few things that I love more than spending time in my gardens during the summer. According to my doctor, gardeners live longer. 

Fresh veggies – right after the old guy planted the potatoes, I took over our tiny vegetable garden this year. I planted lettuce, both transplants and seeds. We ate wonderful fresh salads for weeks. I planted spinach, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers from transplants. Beans, beets and squash from seed. The beet greens were an added treat. It has been the perfect summer for our veggies. We still have some tomatoes to ripen. Several peppers are still on plants. A couple of small cukes are hanging on. Red onions are poking through the soil and the squash will be ready in October.  Such a treat. 

 

Toasted tomato sandwiches – what can I say but yum, yum. When the tomatoes are freshly picked, toasted sandwiches are wonderful for any and all meals and snacks. I only eat tomatoes fresh in the summer. You can’t beat that wonderful flavour.

 

Kayaking – another of my favourite summer pastimes, kayaking, for me, is pure joy. I was late starting this year, finally getting on the lake sometime in July.  Since then I have been out on the lake a few times with my friend Sue and once with my grand daughter Hailey, which was a first for us and very enjoyable. I had a solo paddle a few weeks ago, something I always love because I take my time and glide in and out of the peaceful coves on the opposite shore from my house. I strive to be quiet but am not always quiet enough. I paddled for two hours enjoying all that nature chose to show me including a pair of bald eagles, a juvenile eagle, a family of loons, an osprey a hawk, a family of brown ducks and a family of mergansers. I got within nine meters of a blue heron before he flew away, again not quiet enough. 

The loons – All spring and summer we have had the privilege of watching the loons in the lake. Sometimes we don’t get to see much of them because the lake has become so busy due to new houses and additional boat traffic. But mom, dad and baby have decided to make our view one of their favourite spots. From a small bird on a parent’s back to a grey youth beginning to get its adult colours, it has been a joy watching the baby grow under its parents protection. I would love to someday get a photo of the loons.

It has been a busy summer, and I can honestly say that it will be a summer I won’t forget. I can also say that all the joy outweighed all the frustration tenfold.

Thank you for reading. 

Photos: Jenn Stone

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