The Joys of Summer

Ranked #11,701 in Travel & Places, #289,149 overall | Donates to Horses for Healing of NWA

My Favorite Season of the Year!

I thoroughly enjoy the summer months, though I am not one to go out seeking a suntan. I am content being as white as a sheet, or is that a ghost? I've heard both expressions throughout the years.

There are so many activities I enjoy during the summer months; I love having picnics and barbecues because I can enjoy the outdoors and relax for a while with my family. Everyone seems to take part in whatever is going on and there are always a few laughs to be shared.

Of course, I take every opportunity to go swimming and will take advantage of an opportunity to go horseback riding or boating, though these excursions don't happen as often as I would like. I enjoy visiting parks and beaches - as well as botanical gardens. I also take in a variety of attractions with my children.

Nonetheless, summer is a time for fun and laughter - a time to get outside and do things I can't do in winter. It's time to feel refreshed and energized and to be happy I'm alive. Watching the Earth unfold in all her glory is a wonder in itself!

Summer Activities

What would you prefer to do during the summer?

Loading

Visit the beach

ohcaroline says:

I enjoy going to the beach...winter or summer. I don't go to spend the day any more...I like to go and watch the sunset. Everyone else is going home and the beach is pretty much mine to walk on and enjoy while the sun is not so hot. I can bbq anytime so give me the beach for something special to do.

Have a BBQ or picnic

Kelsey-Budden-16 says:

I love beaches but, you just can't go wrong with a BBQ! Especially when the food tastes delicious!

sheilamarie says:

Well, I spent all my summer days at the beach as a child, but I don't have a natural tan -- just the opposite in fact! I don't have much natural protection and had millions of freckles as a kid. Now I get sunstroke really fast. I have a hard time in the sun! I love the ocean, though. I love the lake I live on too. Picnics are good -- if there's shade!

ajgodinho says:

I like the beach and all, but I already have a natural tan. I prefer having a BBQ or picnic. Though must admit, when we were kids, we loved being on the beach and could spend all day there! :)

Jessie formosa says:

As i live in Malta and in summer it is very hot I love travelling to cooler places like Germany and Austria and Switzerland......otherwise i will have to remain cooped up under tha AC because outside will bwe a furnace but we are sarrounded by the Mediterranean sea which is wonderful and so one can refresh there and have barbeques

bethd821 says:

Too many skin cancers removed to visit the beach. Feed me and I'm your friend for life!

 
view all 7 comments

Seagulls

One of my favorite past times when outside relaxing is to watch seagulls as they fly about and communicate with each other. They have yet to interfere with our picnic and are so graceful that I can't help but marvel each time I see one.

I have taken numerous photos over the years and have taken a scattered video as well. I've fed them and sat on rocks lining the beach while dozens of them swirled about 10 feet above my head. What glorious moments to look back on!

Seagull at Cabot Beach, P.E.I. 

The Seagull

A play written by Anton Checkov

Checkhov has stated that medicine was his wife and literature, his mistress.

This play was inspired by the death of a sea gull and is the most popular play Anton Checkhov has published.

Instead of placing characters beneath a steady frame, Checkov lets his characters guide the subtle movement of the sad tale of devastated dreams and hopes. The dying sea gull symbolizes the emptiness of defeat and further stressing the beauty of life. The fullness of being simply alive comes beaming with power and touches life.

The Sea-Gull

Amazon Price: $8.33 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $8.45

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Taking a Road Trip?

Consult Rand-McNally

Road trips are great but it becomes boring taking the same routes year after year or, in the worst case, day after day.

If you enjoy new experiences and like to travel to places you've never been - sometimes just because you heard of an attraction or closed your eyes and pointed at a map - this is a must. I always have one in my possession; albeit, I need to upgrade to a current version since mine was published in 2006. With all the construction that has taken place in North America since that time., I'm sure I would not go astray.

Of course, you can also use Googe Maps and print your travel requirements However, that just doesn't cut it for me; I need to have something so that I can highlight the roads I've driven. It makes it easier in the future when I wish to return to a place - because the route has already been established.

However, my pleasure is derived from looking at the final picture - to see roads I've never driven - and know I need to, ultimately, do something about that.

In all honesty, this is one of the most essential traveling companions; for me, it's just as important as my wallet and passport.

Rand McNally Road Atlas (Rand Mcnally Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico)

Amazon Price: $13.32 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $13.95

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Travel Insurance

Don't leave home without it!

There is a very good reason people talk about the importance of travel insurance, especially if you travel outside of your own country. Medical expenses can put you in debt for life if you are not protected in advance - should the worst happen and this doesn't even refer to vehicular accidents which may involve others.

For a nominal fee, depending upon the length of time you are in another country, it is worth your peace of mind to invest in this. For a few weeks, it's little more than the price you would pay for a hotel room for one night...so what's one extra night if it has the potential to save your life and save your financial portfolio?

You may feel you can't afford to invest in travel insurance; I beg to differ. From where I sit, you can't afford not to! After all, you can't predict what tomorrow will, or will not, bring into your life.

Though I am not a travel agent, I would also recommend you check out a few travel agencies around you. They have deals which they can get - which you are not privy to - and it's worth your while to take advantage of the services they offer. Even if you plan a road trip, as long as you know where you plan to stay during the night, a travel agent may be able to secure cheaper rates for you, depending upon your preferences.

If you plan to travel by air or take a cruise, consult a travel agency to see the packages they have available. Furthermore, if you don't have time to book your vacation but want something wonderful to enjoy with your family - or by yourself - leave it in the hands of a capable travel agent. Talk to your friends and see if they recommend a certain agency. Otherwise, do some on-line research and check the ratings others have given certain travel agents/agencies. It would save a lot of stress and time.

Furthermore, if you live in the United States and intend to cross the Canadian border, please read Border Crossing Advice For U.S. Citizens.

Photographic Opportunities

No camera = no vacation!

Cameras are Essential

Especially during summer

Of course, a camera is useful any season of the year; there is always something which catches your attention and you want to grasp it with a photo.

However, summer is a season in which you can really make use of your camera. Even on the coldest day, your batteries won't freeze. When surrounded by fog, there are still great shots you can take.

Even so, it's one thing to own a camera; it's quite another to be able to use it and understand all of its capabilities and functions. This book is one of the greatest there is and I would highly recommend that you check it out! It's absolutely fantastic!

The Digital Photography Book

Amazon Price: $9.50 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $24.99

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

A Great Photo Camera

This is one of the greatest cameras I have used and I would highly recommend it. Scattered throughout my lenses, you will see a host of photos I have taken with this camera and I'm sure you would enjoy each one. It takes breath-taking sunset photos; see for yourself.

Loading

Horseback Riding

My oldest daughter and I really enjoy the opportunity to get on horseback. A few years ago, we decided that, when she graduates from high school, her and I may take a couple of days and go on a trail ride - with a group. It would be enjoyable and something different than going out for a couple of hours before returning to civilization.

Whatever the case, I'm hoping that I'll always be able to get one opportunity to go horseback riding during each summer vacation, preferably not riding nose to tail.

Anticipating a trail ride 

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Running Horse Mouse Pad mousepadWild Horses Mousepad mousepad

Lady and Horse 3 cardBW Horse and Lady 2 cardBW Horse and Lady 1 card

Are You Interested In Horseback Riding?

Learn more with either of these books.

Loading

Horses Help People Heal

Riding horseback is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world - even if you, as a novice, becomes nervous when a horse approaches you.

For me, to be on top of a horse - and I consider myself a novice - is comparable to feeling on top of the world.

However, horses serve a different purpose as well. Horses can be used in helping people of all ages with a variety of conditions. How is this so? Find out for yourself right here.

Connecting with Horses: The Life Lessons We Can Learn From Horses

Amazon Price: $8.88 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $14.95
Used Price: $5.00

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Horses For Healing of NWA

Any proceeds from this lens goes to this charity!

Horses for Healing Mission Statement: The mission of Horses for Healing is to provide therapeutic riding programs for physically, emotionally and/or mentally challenged residents of Northwest Arkansas, regardless of their ability to pay. Our first priority is serving special needs children. That focus may expand as circumstances arise and resources allow.

To learn more about this magnificent charity, please visit Horses for Healing of Northwest Arkansas - Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program.

Horses for Healing is a nonprofit, therapeutic riding center that helps special needs children across Northwest Arkansas grow mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Picnicking

I thoroughly enjoy being outside during summer months, especially when there's a nice wind which keeps the mosquitoes at bay. I enjoy sitting on a blanket or even at a picnic table and having a few snacks or a meal. Throwing a Frisbee or ball around is also nice, as well as watching sailboats or other watercraft.

Walking different trails to see where they lead is another aspect I enjoy. I discovered a few out-of-the-way lighthouses during summer, 2009 - lighthouses I wouldn't have seen from the land if I hadn't taken the paths I did.

To the right, you will see a photo of my oldest daughter while we enjoyed a picnic at one of the forts in P.E.I. Below, you will see one of the lighthouses we stumbled upon; if I didn't have to retrieve a Frisbee which got shot in the wrong direction, I may never have seen the beautiful gem.

Picnic Ideas

Why have the same picnic foods year after year? It's time to break out of the mould and try something new.

This book is filled with ideas to enhance your picnic. Because you have picnics so often, you can try multiple recipes and ideas over the course of even one summer season.

PICNIC: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus

Amazon Price: $4.98 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $9.95

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

 

Loading

Toddler Outdoor Fun

Step2 WaterWheel Activity Play Table

Amazon Price: $36.99 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $42.99

The falling water action from this Waterwheel Play Table encourages creative exploration with cause and effect learning. This imaginative water play center encourages hours of outdoor fun.

Pour water into the wide funnel, and activate the water wheel which then spills into the inner and outer harbors. Two molded-in sections function as canals, boats, lakes, harbors and more. An elevated design keeps water at toddler level and also keeps ground dirt clear of water and mud from forming on children's feet.

It accommodates up to three children to encourage group play. Two built-in drain plugs allow for easy water removal. The four piece accessory set includes: one cup, two sailboats, and one water wheel tower. Features decorative molded-in fish designs on legs. It can holds up to four gallons of water.

Usually ships in 2-3 business days

Summer Or Winter

In terms of enjoying outdoor activities/sports each season has to offer...

What's your favorite season?

Loading

Summer

Kelsey-Budden-16 says:

Living in the north, I would have to say summer is my favorite season of the year. Although, I really favor spring!

ohcaroline says:

Summer is better; but fall is best!

ajgodinho says:

Summer for sure ~ it's an awesome season to be outdoors and enjoy nature. I do enjoy winter too, in its own way.

skiesgreen says:

Autumn in Canberra, Its a glorious time of year. Our summers are too hot.

OhMe says:

Definitely the Summer. I get my energy straight from the sun.

Winter

sheilamarie says:

I enjoy all four (or five -- mud season!). I actually prefer the in-between seasons -- spring and fall. I'll go on the winter side simply because I have trouble with heat and direct sun (though there are some activities you can only do in summer).

 

Sunsets

Of course, a sunset in the summer can't be compared to a winter sunset. For me, it's largely because I enjoy sunsets over a body of water. However, I live in arctic Canada with no trees; my impression of a winter sunset may change if I was in a location where trees were in abundance.

I've seen my share of summer sunsets over the years and I can't take either of them for granted; they've touched me in ways which is hard to explain with the written word. Suffice it to say that life seems to take on a different perspective after spending time surrounded by a summer sunset - as rays of gold and purple splash across the sky.

Beach Bum?

Just kidding...

If you enjoy spending time at the beach, here are a couple of lenses you may want to visit; one features beach towels for children and the other features towels any animal lover would enjoy. Come over and take a peek.

Loading

BBQ Accessories

If you are need of a few additional BBQ accessories, feel free to visit eBay. You never know the bargains you may receive and, if you happen to be bidding on an item, it can be exciting.

Just keep a limit in mind and don't exceed it ... and always check what a retailer would sell the same product for in a store. Let that be your guide.


Loading

Your Favorite Summer Activities

What are your favorite summer activities? Please feel free to state your username beside each entry so we can learn more about you.


BBQ

There's just something about having a BBQ that I really look forward to. It doesn't matter whether it's in a park setting or at home, whether with propane or an open fire. I thoroughly enjoy a good BBQ.3 points

Going for walks!

I enjoy talking walks during the summer, especially down on the lake shore. Though my favourite summer activity is having BBQs!3 points

Horseback Riding or Exploring the acres with my Dog! - Kelsey-Budden-16

I love Horseback Riding and I love exploring places with my Dog! It's always nice to get some exercise in the Summer! Especially if you live in the north where there's snow and frigid temperatures 10-11 months of the year!2 points

Gardening

I love to play in the dirt and watch things grow1 point

Places To Visit

Below you will find links to some of my family's favorite vacation destinations/attractions. Some lenses were created by me - and will lead to external links you may be interested in. Other lenses were created by fellow lensmasters.

I realize two links were posted featuring Niagara Falls but I enjoyed both lenses.


Loading

Photo by Norma Budden.
All rights reserved.
Click on the image above to see all of my angel blessed lenses.

The Joys of Summer Guestbook

Please feel free to share your thoughts with me. I would love to know what you enjoy most about summer.

  • WordCustard Feb 4, 2011 @ 2:16 pm | delete
    This is a wonderful look at the joys of summer.. and I could certainly use the reminder as a gale howls outside my window! Thanks for sharing your photos and stories. You've just earned another ~angel blessing~!
  • Kelsey-Budden-16 Jan 21, 2011 @ 10:18 pm | delete
    What I enjoy most about summer is exploring new places- as long as it's something I'm willing to do of course! LOL
  • ohcaroline Jan 16, 2011 @ 7:35 am | delete
    Swimming is my best part of summer. Beach walking is next. Good job on your lens overhaul.
  • sheilamarie Jan 15, 2011 @ 11:08 pm | delete
    I love going out in our boat and just drifting. Of course I need a big hat and a notebook and a camera. Snacks are good.
  • ajgodinho Jan 15, 2011 @ 10:02 am | delete
    It's nice to look at a summer lens in the winter...LOL...it's always nice to look forward to something. I think I would enjoy horseback riding a lot! Beautiful lens, interactive and very well presented as always!
  • skiesgreen Jun 3, 2010 @ 12:19 am | delete
    Fabulous lens with lovely presentation. *-*Blessed*-*and featured on Sprinkled with Stardust and added to charity-lenses-for-summer-sunshine-giveaway
  • bethd821 Jun 2, 2010 @ 3:23 pm | delete
    Great lens and charity. I'm donating a lens to them, too.
  • OhMe Jun 2, 2010 @ 11:06 am | delete
    I love the summer months and think you have some great ideas here so I might just start today with checking them off one by one. I nominated this lens and it will be featured on Sunshine Award Nominees
  • ulla_hennig Jun 2, 2010 @ 7:56 am | delete
    This year we had a very long winter and almost no spring up to now. I love summer because of the warmth. You can sit outside even in the evening!

by

Norma_Budden

Browse my photo gallery at ImageKind by clicking the photo above.

I must admit that summer is one of my favorite seasons of the year....
more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

 

Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories

Amazon Price: $4.97 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

A beautiful day captured beautifully with snapshots, and memories, built to last a lifetime.

 

Fujifilm FinePix JX250 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD

Amazon Price: $100.99 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

This is my newest camera! It just arrived today!

It may sound like a terrible thing to say but I'm glad my son broke my other camera. At least he isn't old enough to read this. In fact, we both went out taking photos this afternoon - thankfully the battery for my broken camera fits the new one - and we had an enjoyable time.

I thought my broken camera was too good to be true and mourned its loss but this one is even better. Albeit, it is the same family of cameras.

I would strongly suggest that you explore the features of this camera before settling on something else, especially if you have small children and want to get photos as they are happening instead of the photos getting away from you.

Note: I did not purchase mine from Amazon because I needed my camera right away. However, it can be pre-ordered if you are not in any rush to receive it.