Summer Adventures

Over the last month of summer adventures, I’ve survived a fruit fly outbreak and a weevil infestation, both while caring for our five-year-old grandson for the week. I swam in a lake where duck poop covered the dock and my arms stroked into wavering water lilies. An acquaintance died from that horrid flesh-eating bacteria, and I got bit by a spider. I was twenty minutes away from having a personal encounter with a bear. I learned we have whale sharks in the world—who cares if the whale shark is gentle? What the hell is a “gentle” shark, anyway? Thanks to said informed grandson, I now know my beloved pitcher plant—the most elegant, gorgeous plant—is a bloody carnivore.

I also ate my weight in watermelon, two of which were the most wonderful melons I ever tasted. Lounging on a screen porch, I listened to the rain pound the roof over and over. I laughed with family and found a new contemplative prayer group. By pure accident, I discovered—and became addicted to—frappes. Duolingo is my new pal, Español my new language. Also thanks to my grandson, I now know the Infinity Space Center in Waveland is the coolest place ever.

I swam in the expanse of that lake, water lilies be damned. The acquaintance’s daughters are making flesh-eating bacteria education their mission. The bear and I came to recognize each other. Bugs emerged as a theme. My spider bite healed. Maybe I can feed the fruit flies to the pitcher plant. I don’t care about whale sharks.

Summer is an unexpected time, full of nature and discovery. Go outside and enjoy the summer adventures. Ha, ha. Or not.