Summer is here, and in Ontario it seems to be sticking around (for now). We’ve had a few days this week that have been absolutely scorching hot (my thoughts to those who have to work outdoors for a living) but rather than focus on the heatwave we’ve all been craving since the second week of December, I thought I’d take a moment to sprinkle some positivity onto your internet browser and talk about some of my favourite things about Summer. These are in no particular order but rather are just some things that (in my mind) equate to a wonderful, magical summertime!
Cherry & Watermelon Season
Happiness is getting to indulge in both cherries and watermelon for about 2 months straight. Sometimes you can get these fruits at other times during the year, but they never taste as sweet and satisfying as they do between the months of June to August. These two fruits happen to be my favourite as well, so the summertime signals the prime watermelon & cherry eating season! SO GOOD! I could easily eat an entire watermelon in one sitting; especially after a full day of being outside or being active. If you are in the Niagara area, you’ll want to check out the nearby cherry farms where you can go and pick your own cherries. Many people also LOVE Strawberries in the summer, and while I’d love to agree, my allergy to them makes it impossible for me to enjoy them now – but I do miss eating them too!
Kayaking & Canoeing
Summer is short in Canada, and whenever possible, I love getting out on the lake in a kayak or canoe. While I don’t own my own, renting a kayak or canoe is easy when you visit most Ontario Provincial Parks. There is something incredibly peaceful about being out on the water, whether your paddling with friends or solo. If I had a cottage, I’d surely be out on the water almost every weekend. Instead, I’ll take as many opportunities as possible to kayak when I’m having a beach day or a planned hike at a nearby park. Since not every day in the summer is scorching hot, kayaking or canoeing is a nice alternative to swimming around in ice cold lake water or when you still want to be on the water and it’s an overcast cloudy day.
Evening Campfires
Summer nights have a slight edge over the daytime, and the reason is the campfire. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting by a nice toasty campfire in a sweater and leggings/jogging pants after a long hot summer day. Whether you’re a fan of s’mores or not, sitting by the campfire and indulging in snacks and great conversation always makes me smile. There is something calming about the crackling of a fire, and anyone who knows me knows how much I simply love the smell of burning wood; seriously though that post-campfire smell that lingers on your clothes is phenomenal. Suburban rules don’t allow for me to have a firepit in my backyard, but we do have a fire table – so when I cannot be sitting next to a campfire, it is the next best thing.
Baseball
Summer time means it’s Blue Jays Baseball season! I always loved playing baseball growing up, and have enjoyed watching it for many years. Some of my favourite memories of the summer are getting to attend Blue Jays games. I have also had the opportunity to travel and see the Blue Jays on the road in the summertime; Philadelphia & Chicago were two places I had the privilege of visiting to take in the sites and catch a few baseball games. Whether your a sports fan or not, I think attending a baseball game can be a lot of fun; the atmosphere is very welcoming and inviting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the fun. Of course, anything is more exciting when you have invested interest in the players, team and what’s going on in general, but with the right company, you’ll find a day at the ballpark can be a lot of fun! Playing catch at the park is really fun too, if sitting through a baseball game isn’t really your thing.
BBQs & Ice Cream
If Summer had a “smell” it would have to be the smell of food cooking on the barbeque. I don’t think anyone can talk about summertime activities and not mention a BBQ. Whether it’s hotdogs and hamburgers, chicken wings, ribs, corn on the cob, or grilling up pineapple there is always something to enjoy on the barbeque. On another note, ice cream is another food that is iconic with summertime. I know, you can get ice cream year round, but the best kind of ice cream comes during walks on the beach or at the waterfront, or a day at the park, or after a fun day playing outside. Again, summer doesn’t last forever, so let’s eat outside as much as we can, right?
All in all, there are many great things to love and appreciate about summer time. If you’re reading this from a place where it’s always relatively warm and your summer temperatures last longer than a few weeks, I hope you make the most of it! What are some things you like to do when the weather is hot? I think one of the things I like the most about summer time is how short it is. I know it sounds crazy, but the fact that summer is short where I’m from encourages me to not only make the most of the warmer days, but it makes me appreciate them more than I would if summer lasted 8 months of the year. Keep in mind, I am also a lover of sweater weather, layers, and while it’s not my favourite season, I do like Winter a lot! I appreciate living in a country where I can experience many seasons and can enjoy many outdoor activities whether the weather is hot or cold. But for now, less time inside, and more time outside I say! I’d love to hear about some of the things you love about summer: fishing, patios, bike rides, pools, beaches, hikes, blended beverages, air conditioning (hell yes!) whatever it is, let me know!
Five Feet High Thoughts 