memorial day weekending ...

Memorial Day is a big one around here ... it truly marks the beginning of summer, the time when our little seaside town comes to life ...

image by j&j graphics

By Memorial Day, the harbor has been replenished with boats sitting back on their moorings, the yacht clubs that dot the edge of the harbor have reopened and have polished themselves up for the summer ahead, the runners and dog-walkers are out in full force, the local kids start to hang out in the parks and ice cream shops, the smell of burgers on the grill becomes a regular occurrence in the neighborhood, the sun starts to shine 15 hours a day, and the pattern is set for the busy season ahead.  School is not yet out (in fact some schools in town will remain open until the 24th of June - yikes!), but it may as well be over because with distractions like these who can focus on school anymore?!

Since words just can't do enough to describe the summertime difference around here, I'll let these photos tell the story of our Memorial Day weekend ...

can you smell how beautiful the lilacs (or is this wisteria?) are right now?

this gorgeous entry is my favorite one in town - i stalk it frequently, it's always perfection in every season ...

the first of many Sunday night "family grill-outs" at my father in law's house for the dozen or so of us here in town

birthday cake for the 4 in the family who will celebrate birthdays over the next week

the racing season begins over Memorial Day as well - the sailboats get hauled out at the end of the race day and the ladybugs love to wait on the docks to hear all about it

big ladybug is proud of her dad's first place victory - strong start, manbug!

this was the view behind me as i took the above boat photos - it's one of the local yacht clubs that faces the harbor and the setting sun - these lucky folks were enjoying a wedding reception on a truly spectacular evening ... if you listen closely, can you hear the laughter and the music of the band?

this blue sailboat was returning from a day sail just in time to enjoy the sunset from the docks

turning back toward the harbor (the last 5 photos here were taken from the exact same spot - sort of a 360) ... a gorgeous summertime sunset - we hope the first of many!

The above photos probably do a good job of explaining why I live in this town ... scenes like these are the answers to my prayers each May ... they are why I put up with the bitter dark winters that seem like they'll never end ... hallelujah, Memorial Day weekend is here at last - and so is summertime - let the games begin!