US Open(s) in Summer, Closes in Fall

LIAM RESTING AFTER A LONG DAY OF MATCHES

The US Open seems like a bridge connecting summer to fall. Often the first week has heat, humidity, showers, lightning and slidey courts wet from storms. The second week is clear, cool, sometimes an unexpected chilly rain. Wind whips the flags and slows servesLabor Day play at the Open links the two seasons. This year we attend during the second week, Wednesday September 4, a brilliantly clear "hurt the eyes sky" reminiscent of  9/11. A stark clarity seldom experienced in summer. The Manhattan skyline is visible from the upper levels and is pierced by the Freedom Tower on the left and Empire State Building to the right.

SKYLINE, FREEDOM TOWER AND EMPIRE STATE

For me, summer has three beginnings and one ending.

Beginnings
Memorial Day Weekend...barbecues, beach, vacation trips

Summer Solstice... calendar summer lots of Namaste and sun salutations all over.
July 4th...An all clear for teachers, some of whom might still be working the last few days of June. 

LIAM CHECKING BARBECUE IN NEIGHBOR'S YARD

Ending

Labor Day Weekend

The Labor Day weekend gives us three days to transition, even includes an August day softening the blow of September's Sunday arrival. A few distant fireworks have Liam thundershirted on Labor Day evening.



 Liam doing some "last" of summer rituals.
 Stoop Sitting At summer's end the sun slants strong and hot in the late afternoon and Liam soaks it up while watching the wildlife parade. 

 
Exploring for rabbit and squirrel scents
Saying goodbye to his summer season doggie friend
Checking for birdseed
This all happens in this corner of the back yard.

Other Signs and Happenings of transition to Fall


Health Club posts "Fall and Winter hours"
Citronella candles disappear from yard
I store my citronella candles in the recyclable bucket. Paul does not notice and puts them out on the curb with the wine bottles, tomato jars and yogurt cups. They are gone.
The bug zapper has ceased its zapping.
Body count zero.

We are headed in a new direction. Liam knows.
We incrementally change focus from outside to in.

less happens outside

shorter days, different fun, bring it on

LIAM'S READY FOR FALL, THOSE ACORNS, YES!

Woof, Woof