LAZY DAYS THIS JULY BRINGS

This picture could well have come from Pacific Beach in San Diego just over one week ago. Hours before the celebration of July 4, because upon close inspection, you can the umbrella firmly planted in the water with no visible people around.

We didn't make it to PB that day, but I don't think they missed us. A newspaper photo showed people stacked on top of each other on the Fourth. I'm afraid there would have been no room for us.

We did venture out to an Aaron Brothers store and the interstates were light with traffic mid-day. No much going on at the old picture framing shop either. But that was ok. Summer is for Lazy Days as sung by at least two Sixties artists, and since today marks mid-July (does that mean tonight is Midsummer night?) then you better get to enjoying.

If you're rushed in hectic life day-to-day living, then I have two suggestions. First, make some homemade ice cream. Oh, man, cranking on the freezer or even plugging it in and making it do the work is rewarding in its aftermath. In other words, the effort is worth it. A friend of ours was 27 years old before he ever saw anyone make homemade ice cream. He thought the ice cream came out of the little drain hole. Unfortunately, that day it could have. We called them homemade shakes. But they were good.

Secondly, shut off the tv and listen to a baseball game on the radio. Preferably near St. Louis where you can enjoy the best ever--Mike Shannon. If not, well, listen to a few innings anyhow. A car radio doesn't count. A back porch is perfect. It will slow down your day and give you a taste of summer. The only thing remotely close is listening to college football on the radio when the game is going on at your school.

Enjoy Summer and don't let it get away from you. The cold will be here soon enough.