On Saturday, Frit and I went for a morning swim (cuz the triathlon is in like oh … 26 days [ack!]) and then to run errands. You know, just your standard sunny-Saturday errands: a quick good-will drop off, gathering of supplies needed for the lessons we were teaching at Church on Sunday, purchasing a new lawn trimmer AND edger as well as finding a cage to go over the outside dryer vent because the d$*% birds built a nest inside it last week (and let me tell you, the men at Lowe’s were in awe of us hauling all our “goods” around the store), picking up some potting soil, and acquiring a tanning pass so our legs don’t blind any of the other racers on triathlon day.

Anyhow. On the way home from our productive morning, we had the windows down and the radio cranked. We looked at each other and smiled as we rounded the corner to home and Frit said, “It smells like summer.” And oh boy howdy! Did it ever!

In honor of this sunny weather, I’d like to make a few suggestions on how to get the most out of this blessed season. They’re things I do to make the warm months stretch and the days seem even brighter than they already are.

1. Breath deep. Right now our back yard smells of fresh cut grass and tulips and in a few weeks the wisteria, poppies, and basil will linger on the air. Go put that sniffer to good use and take in the scents. There’s nothing like the smell of sunshine, blue skies, BBQs, & Coppertone. Trust me. Tip: closing your eyes helps.

2. Wear flip-flops if shoes are required. If not…go barefoot as much as possible…especially in the yard. Cool grass underfoot does a body good.

3. Keep a roll of quarters in your car. It’s lemonade stand season friends! I am certain the karma for supporting lemonade stands is 10 times bigger and better than any other good deed you could possibly do. Tip: Pay double what they’re charging. The look on their faces when you tell them to “keep the change” is priceless.

4. Get dirty. Whether it’s sand in your toes, dirt under your fingernails, or grass stains on your pants–just do it. Get dirty. It grounds you. It connects you to the Earth. And a little sweat never killed anyone. In fact, I think it’s good for the skin (that’s the gospel according to Krista).

5. Put your face in the sun. The heat burns away any bad you might be feeling (even if just for a little while) and warms the soul. Plus it’s a way better way to get your Vitamin D than popping a nasty, smelly tablet every morning.

Happy Summering!