Stretching Summer

By Barbara Badolati-Cini

I know, I know… it’s hard to believe that summer is coming to a close. There is no doubt that summer is short in Michigan, especially when June is less than balmy and school gears up in August! However, there are still ways to savor summer as you transition into autumn. Here’s how:

Keep the Grill Going.
There isn’t really a reason to stop experiencing the wonderful taste and smells of your favorite foods on the grill until the snow flies. You may have to replace your shorts with some sweats and take the meal inside, but continuing to grill out is a flavorful way of bidding farewell to summer.

Trek to the Market.
The Farmer’s Market, that is. Keep your weekly shopping tradition alive. Since the farmer’s market sells produce, bake goods and flowers which are in season, it is a natural adaptation for our senses. Bundle up, just as the vendors have to, and bring home a cornucopia of autumn’s harvest.

Stay Active.
All of the summer fun can play into these next several months. Take a color tour on your bicycle. Hike through the woods. Toss a football on the beach. Go canoeing or camping. Some of my friends keep sailing until November. Being active extends the pleasures of summer and the cool weather becomes invigorating!

Crack the windows.
Michigan’s comfortable summer temperatures tend to be perfect sleeping weather, so why not also in the fall? As the nights become cooler, throw on an extra blanket or invest in a down comforter, and sleep with your bedroom window open a bit. You will wake refreshed and greeted by the sounds of a new day.

S’mores and Jiffy Pop.
I love campfires in the fall. It seems campfires in the fall are more appropriate than even summer nights. And what is synonymous with campfires are s’mores and jiffy pop popcorn. Keep the hotdog sticks out and stock up on marshmallows. When you need a little fun pick-me-up, make yourself a graham cracker, Hershey bar and marshmallow treat.

Relax, Relax, Relax.
One thing we love about summer is how it gives us “permission” to relax, play, spend more time with our children, read for enjoyment, go on vacation, or just do nothing. Don’t stop! It is easy to get on the spinning wheel with school activities; the holidays fast approaching and everyone back to work. But it is also important to keep balance in your life. Rather than wait until next summer to relax again, take one day or weekend off per month and do nothing. When that weekend comes, curl up with a book, take a mini-vacation, play with your children more or stay in your pj’s and nap the day away (pretend you are in your hammock).

Go barefoot.
One winter I returned from the Hawaiian islands, where I had been living in a bathing suit, sarong, and going barefoot for nearly three weeks. When I returned to Michigan, I found it difficult to be in sweaters and boots right away. So, for several days, I turned up the heat and spent the day in my island garb. Not only did this offer a means of transition, but it was a fun way to bask in the fond memories I had while on vacation. I dare you to do the same – wear one of your summer outfits, or at least go barefoot.

Indian Summer.
We usually always have an extremely warm couple of days (or even a week) in the fall. It is summer’s last Hurrah! so take advantage of it. Be outside as much as possible and ... go for all of the above.

Barbara Badolati-Cini and her family live and play along the shores of Lake Michigan. Barbara helps people live vibrant and healthy lives. Visit her at www.aliveandwellbarb.com.