Last Days of August

 

 

Last days of August, the sidewalks decorated with chalk art drawings of the sun, tiny yellow locust leaves, and discarded cicada shells.

This past weekend was the Chicago Air and Water show.  Thousands of people come to the lake shore to see the jets. For some, this is the highlight of the summer. This year will be something they will always remember--a spectacle of fighting spirit, victory over deadly plague and depressing and uncertain times.

For others, it's not a celebration--it's intrusive and traumatic.  I find the noises really scary, and I am not the only one! I have seen a flock of pigeons, gathered peacefully in the North Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago,  scatter in absolute terror when the black helicopters flew in formation overhead!

This year, the air and Water Show was delayed by clouds and fog.  The noise and crowds were not so bad. For that I am thankful. 

I have been more than thankful for the summer here. No deadly new variants and virus surges, heat waves, floods, tornadoes or West Nile mosquitoes. 

And now, days of highs in the 70's and low 80's,  and cooler nights. Afternoons of flickering light through leaves. A dream of green,  summer every day.  

August speeds by on a bicycle--a long-haired girl wearing  shorts and a t-shirt  Days of day lilies are past.  Hostas are blooming now.  Soon, mums will replace the summer flowers in the planters.  Labor Day Weekend is just days away. The feeling of another summer ending.

Thoughts turn to flu shots and fall projects, hoodies and sweaters. There is a feeling of beginning again--new school routine, new notebooks, new things. But summer isn't over yet!

There is still time to enjoy these days of summer chairs.

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