Transitions

The months of May and June are a time of transitions. The earth is flourishing with new growth of flowers and trees, the return of migrating birds, and lots of baby animals everywhere. School is finishing up for year, which means concerts, ceremonies, and graduations. It's also the time for weddings and family reunions. 

 In Maine, summer is short. So everyone is planning vacations, hikes, picnics, and as many times at the shore as you can fit into three months. Schedules are looser, and plans are often made on a whim. Some people, especially children, have a hard time with transitions. The routine is disrupted. A person can't know what to expect from day to day. 

 My mother liked schedules. I didn't like them when I was young. I understood that we each had chores, but I preferred choosing when I did them and when I had free time. When I had my own children (later, grandchildren) I found myself scheduling the summer hours. I realized that there has to be a balance. 

 The older I get, the more I am grateful for a day with nothing planned. My husband and I have been enjoying the serene life of our little frog pond. A pair of mallard ducks hatched out ten ducklings. We often sit in our screen tent listening to the bullfrogs, watching the ducks, and enjoying the scurrying of the chipmunks. It's a nice way to end the day. 

 How do you like to spend your summers?