Summer's End

The days are growing noticeably shorter and the nights deliciously cool. In a few days the neighborhood children will return to school. Quiet resettles the block. Leaves will soon begin to reveal their startling yellows and striking reds. Tomatoes are abundant; our bounty is shared with friends and neighbors. At the end of August the season’s memories are as savory as juicy, ripe strawberries.

The plants did well, critters not withstanding. Our apples are nearly ready for the picking, i.e. if we can beat the squirrels to them. We put the glider away yesterday. We need to start to think about autumn lawn fertilizer and replacing broken rakes. The end of summer is “such sweet sorrow.”

The economy and gasoline prices kept many of us close to home this summer. Fortunately for us family members were able to visit from California. Our granddaughters experienced running through lawn sprinklers—such an experience will never be possible in dry southern California. They were introduced to Midwestern flora and fauna. The younger child can easily recognize dragonflies and Queen Anne’s lace. Fireflies will light their dreams for months. The girls appreciate the delights of playing on the dunes and swimming in the warm, calm waters of Lake Michigan. Thunder and lightening were wondrous if somewhat scary.

On our own again, we launched our own boarder excursion into Wisconsin. If it weren’t for winter, Wisconsin would be a very nice place to live. In mid-August the Milwaukee area is host to several festivals. The Irish Fest on the lakeshore was terrific. We’ve attended many over the years and this year’s was one of the best. Celtic music, dance, and foods were in abundance; the currach races intensely fought; Irish dog breeds strutted their stuff; and, transport to the fest by the express County bus the best way to get there. Port Washington, just north of Milwaukee, hosted the Maritime Festival. Several tall ships were featured. They look so very lovely in full sail on the lake! Our “Cheese Head” neighbors really know how to celebrate summer.

As we drove back home, a nagging question recurs. We are always faced with this question when returning home. Why are the free roads in Wisconsin so much better than those in Illinois, where you are charged for the ‘privilege’ of using them? Illinois offers few viable options to its toll system. The fact that the Illinois toll road was undergoing construction doesn't really temper the problem. The expensive toll roads are usually crowded and the repairs won’t last long. Yes, “Cheese Heads” are taxed at a higher rate, but they seem to do so much more with what they receive. Wisconsin road rest stops are convenient, clean, and provide the tourist with useful information. Illinois' expensive “oases” are far apart and totally commercial. I imagine our perennial summer question will not be resolved. We actually know the answer, but don’t want to face up to it on such a beautiful summer day.

Summer is at an end. We enjoyed it. Now it is time to move on.