by Carol Gustke

Created on: February 24, 2009

The State of Michigan has long, long winters. At least it did this years. One snow storm after another blanketed the lawns and rooftops for months. "Will it ever end?" was the common question you heard on the street.

It's no wonder that Michigan residents become giddy and childlike over rising temperatures. Ah, spring and summer are just around the corner, which means we will have to cram all of our summer fun into three, and possibly four months.

And what do we do to enjoy the summer months? First of all, there is Lake Michigan with its soft sand to run through and squish between your toes. There are dune buggies to take you on thrilling rides up and down the hills, sailing, water skiing, swimming and just soaking in the sun with a radio and a cool drink to keep you company.

Summer....where you can race outside without first putting on boots, gloves, hats, and sweaters. Picnics on the patio, pool parties, roller skating and skate boarding, and leisurely strolls in the park.

On warm, summer nights there are baseball games to attend, concerts in the park, and the Dairy Queen has opened up for the season.

Summer evenings bring out the neighborhood kids to ride bikes, play basketball or just hang out on a friend's front porch, listening to music.

July fourth we line the streets to watch and clap as the high school band marches proudly by. We place fresh flowers on loved ones graves and listen to a speech by a former veteran.

Summer time means gardening. Out come the tomato plants; string beans, radishes, and squash seeds we deposit into the freshly prepared soil, hoping for a bountiful harvest. And of course, flowers for the rock garden; impatience and baby breath.

There's nothing like the smell of fresh grass after it's been mowed. Even trimming bushes is enjoyable on a sunny day. The bird bath is set out and filled with fresh water, and the hummingbird container filled with red sugar water.

Summer time is like warming up an orchestra. Once everything is in place the music can begin. The birds sing, plants and flowers grow, lakes are warmed, clothes are shed, and outdoor games begin.

People are happier in the summer time. They exercise more, visit others more, travel more and clean out their houses full of winter dust. Summer time is the time houses get a fresh coat of paint, windows are washed and clothes hung out to dry.

So why live in a cold climate like Michigan you ask? Because there's lots of fun things to do in the winter too.

Learn more about this author, Carol Gustke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.