Summer began on June 21 this year and will end on September 20. Around the end of July and into August marks the peak of summer. The luster of summer is still here but it will be fading soon as kids prepare to go back to school in the weeks ahead. School shopping is big in the department stores and in the grocery stores as well. The most popular characters, school supplies, and everything your child needs to do well this year are all on sale.
The Erie vacation came to an end yesterday as the weary travelers made it home after a fun time at the Lake. My cousin’s wedding shower was not too far from where I had a few of my Toastmasters conferences. Young A got to check out the Maritime Museum and the Brig Niagara. I was a little bit older when I visited Erie for the first time but I always enjoyed the adventure. School starts on August 20 at Hempfield Area but the 7th and 8th graders get a reprieve.
Their first day is August 21. Back to school for a day and then the weekend.
My take on Summer 2026 so far as we have reached the peak and start to head down the mountain:
- It hasn’t been the washout or bust that everyone has claimed it to be on social media. Has it been hot? Some days have been oppressive in terms of the heat. Has it been humid? Yes, very much so and that is why I look forward to Fall in six weeks.
- There have been good days and bad in terms of the weather. Our family’s Fourth of July picnic ended early, even though some stayed until the end and watched the fireworks. We dealt with the power outage at our store. The middle of July brought with it major wildfire smoke. It was worse than June of 2023. Fortunately the rain a couple of days later washed that all away.
- There’s still six weeks of Summer to go. Still plenty of time to enjoy the pool and go to the beach.
My schedule changed this week, but it still worked in my favor. In addition, I learned a new skill at work with a visit from our new regional manager coming Friday morning. It got me the weekend off. I likely will see my next weekend when I take vacation in October.
Coffee visits have changed for August due to me working Thursday night. I’ll be visiting Caleese on the Trail in Export this week. I’m going to choose one of their Around The World drinks. Also coming up this month is a visit to White Tree Cafe and Coffeehouse. I’d like to pair that with a stop at Completely booked and admire Irwin’s small business scene.
I was doing to do White Rabbit Thursday afternoon but with the schedule change, I’ll push that visit back to later on in the month. The last Thursday of August continues my Dinner Series with Mr. Clougherty and we won’t go far from where we were in July. Plaza Azteca is our choice for dinner and I look forward to our time together. It’ll be a special day as we celebrate 30 years of friendship (he was one of my teachers on my first day of high school). That first day was August 27 (1996).
New fall menus roll out in the latter half of the month. Dunkin’ on August 19 and Starbucks on the 25th. My go to shop rolls theirs out on tbe 29th.
Stylish 🍒 