Summer Gratitudes

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.  ~Celia Thaxter

Labor Day is coming up this weekend and I always feel like it is the end cap to the summer. And though the first day of fall is still weeks away, I swear I can see the leaves starting to change before my eyes. I can hardly believe the summer is almost over.

How was your summer? Here in southwest Pennsylvania it was very hot, then very rainy, and now it’s just kind of perfect. The days are shorter (yes, always a bit depressing) and there is a chill at night and first thing in the morning. I don’t mind it necessarily; it is more comfortable with less heat and it’s much easier to sleep at night. Cooler weather is also perfect for little backyard campfires and toasted marshmallows!

Abundant Tomatoes!

I appreciate quite a few things about this summer. The first was the garden. Jim (my husband) and Michelene (my daughter), did a gorgeous job with the garden. We are still reaping tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, onions, garlic and basil. I never get tired of tomatoes and will eat them sliced and salted as long as the garden will give them to me.

Ariel and Jordan!

My cousins came from New York and brought a few extra persons along. Josh, who is seven, delighted me with the way he hung on his grandpapa (Julio), kissed his cheek so adamantly and hugged him endlessly. Imani came too, a blessing from above, and it was so good to spend some time with her. I am always happy to see Christina, Julio and Ariel. God has really blessed me with a beautiful family.

There were some fun birthday parties tossed into the summer mix; Michelene’s landmark birthday and Cally’s tree house soiree. I made some new friends and embraced relatives I do not always get to see so often. This was one of the best parts of the summer.

Congratulations John!

My son John graduated with a computer science degree and I am really proud of him. I just know he is going to make some great employer very happy!

There were some challenges too and that is always the case, isn’t it? We are getting over a loss and praying for the repair of a relationship. If we know deep in our heart that God loves us unconditionally, it is Grace that will help get us through the bumpy spots. Thank goodness we are not in charge of the universe. All we can do is pray and turn it over.

Last weekend the local township held its annual fair. I didn’t make it to the park in time to join my family, but I saw the ending night fireworks from the comfort of my own front yard. I had Jordan with me and she didn’t mind the noise a bit. As we sat on the lawn, in darkness, my heart was overflowing with love for my full life and gratitude for a summer well lived.

Farewell Summer of 2012!
It's nice to share. Thank you.

14 Replies to “Summer Gratitudes”

  1. What a beautiful blog Joanne! I can see why you are grateful and your summer will remain eternally in your heart! Thank you for reminding me of my many blessings too!

    1. There is always something we can find to be grateful about, isn’t there Linda?…… It’s about focusing on the positive and praying about the challenges. Thank you for stopping by! xo Joanne

  2. Your words brought such a smile to my face. After our hectic, busy summer it was such a needed break coming to relax with y’all in Pitt. Needless to say I adore any excuse to come and spend time with everyone. Much love.

  3. Sounds like a wonderful summer :). I am grateful for everything I have and the summer was an eventful one with everybody living here! I adore my grand children and having them here is nice, but I can honestly say that I can’t wait for them to get their own place! Congratulations to John! I always knew he would do well in life! Michelene, too! You have raised 2 very awesome young adults!
    We will be making a trip to PA this fall…maybe we will get to see you this time!

  4. Joanne, your tomatoes look beautiful! Great job by all on the garden. And congratulations to John!!! My son is also majoring in computer science for the moment…

    I’m not sad that the days are shorter. I’d much rather have cooler weather, and I can’t wait until the clocks get changed back to where they should be. I can never get use to daylight savings for the summer (dumb idea and I can’t wait until they wise up and stop doing it). I’d much rather allow my body, with its immense God-given knowledge, to flow with nature.

    I’m not on my blog for a while, but I’ll be sure to visit my dear friends as much as I can.

    Sending you hugs, and blessings for a gorgeous Autumn!
    Marianne xox

    1. Hi Marianne! I had to smile when I read your comment. I like to go with the earth’s natural flow too but I do love those longer days! 🙂
      I do hope you will keep in touch and enjoy your Autumn too…Joanne xoxo

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