Fall is extra welcome during summer doldrums I have to admit I’ve been in a bit of a slump this summer. If some imaginary teacher assigned me to write a "What I Did During My Summer Vacation" essay — I’d probably get an F.I certainly wouldn’t have much to brag about. This summer has gone faster than most, yet it didn’t hold as much fun as others I can remember.I’m not the only one who’s having a droopy summer. Almost everyone I know is missing that spark I used to recognize. Maybe it’s the economy, or international politics, or the maddening sound of those screeching cicada bugs in the trees. Whatever it is — this has been the summer of discontent. I did some typical things, like go to weddings and family gatherings. I enjoyed some cool nights by bike riding, watching a lunar eclipse and spotting Mars. I did some long-procrastinated interior painting, but all in all, I can’t remark on anything special.Even my real "summer vacation," when I didn’t work last week, wasn’t much of a vacation. The most memorable part of my time off was the feeling of accomplishment after my husband and I cleaned the gutters on our house. He did most of them as I watched from the ground, but I was so proud of myself for climbing the ladder for the final gutter check. I reached heights I’ve never been able to before. I did it by pretending to be in a therapy group where a psychologist would coach participants to face their fears. … If that was the highlight of my summer, I hope you understand why I’m looking forward to fall as much as I am.I should note that fall has always been my favorite season, but this one is even more welcome than usual.I’ll plan ahead during this fall and winter to come up with wonderful things for next year’s imaginary essay on "What I Did During My Summer Vacation." It wouldn’t be hard to top this one. Maybe I’ll organize the garage for an extra thrill.
