Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.  ~John Lubbock

I love to travel, but during the summer, home is my favorite place. While others are planning beach vacations and road trips, I’m happily thinking about summer right here in Randolph, NJ. I do take a short road trip or two, visiting my mom or exploring with friends, but a little part of mebegrudges the time spent away.  What’s so great about summer at home? Here’s my list:

1. Peach pies, especially my mother’s recipe
2. Fresh BLTs, and no, I don’t feel bad about the bread, bacon, or mayo
3. Opening all the windows
4. Catching the sun sparkling on ShongumLake
5. Waking early enough to catch the dew
6. Afternoon naps
7. Walking the dogs after dinner
8. Roadside farm markets
9. Fireflies at dusk
10. Remembering summer as a kid in West Virginia
11. Fourth of July fireworks, especially the giant white sizzlers
12. Outdoor concerts
13. Honeysuckle vines
14. Sunlight through the trees on the Randolph trails
15. Finding frogs and turtles in my yard
16. Dinner on the deck with friends and family
17. My husband’s barbecue sauce
18. Coffee ice cream with espresso chips at the Denville Dairy
19. A new book, or two, or three
20. White linen skirts
21. Going barefoot
22. Reading in my hammock
23. Hanging fairy lights on my porch
24. Following “my” swan family as the babies grow
25. Campfires — with a guitar, please

Enjoy the summer, no matter where you are!

Ana