Still Summer
I love this time of year – although I think I say that for every changing of the season. But we are not yet changing seasons – Summer’s end has not passed, and autumn has not begun. We are still in Summer – ‘technically’ and maybe though, some last vintages of hope. Hope that the sun stays with us – just a little bit more. The next two seasons are long, so I am conscious not to give in too early. Not to give up too soon. It is still Summer.
‘When the schools go back’ sets the mind to summer’s end. Flickers of sadness and loss but that evocation of childhood memories. New school uniforms which made that first day back a bit exciting – wearing new shoes or new skirt for the first time. Anyone from my area will remember 'Skirt 'N Slack Centre' where we would get the 'must have' skirt. I do not think any of us ever bought 'the slacks!' I was never top trend as my mum did not do 'latest fashions'. There were no 'Dutch Wedgers' for me - they were wedges but with a kind of double wedge that you could almost rock on! My shoes were Marks and Spensers which just gave a nod to fashion - like a safe option for us good Catholic school girls! Regrouping with pals we had not seen over the ‘6 weekies’. Stories of holidays, and back then 'staycation' was not something we really wanted - it was through budget and not a choice to 'embrace Scotland'. New energies, new teachers, new subjects. New friends, new leagues, new challenges.
Like New Year, I would always have resolutions – I WILL keep my jotters tidy, I WILL do my homework the first day I get it, rather than a night before panic. I WILL pay attention in class and will not give into window gazing. I WILL keep my writing so neat! Schools may be back here in Scotland, BUT – It is Still Summer
On my daily strolls, meanderings, walks, the lanes and pathways start to offer dark and shiny gems of blackberries, late raspberries, and blueberries. Not yet time for Autumn harvest of apples and plums, the berries are still ‘summer fruits’. Because - It is Still Summer
The evenings are still holding their light, we can still claim ‘day time’ until around 9.30pm. Morning sun is still early and determined and shines ‘too brightly’ through the new summer curtains we hung – a set I had forgotten about, stored away in my ‘Indian collection’ of ‘stuff’. I came across them and they were so beautiful I do not know why we had never used them. Yellow, and I realise yellow must be my new colour – I chose a new yoga mat – it was yellow. Anil bought me a new backpack – yellow! A friend brought me the most beautiful bunch of flowers – yellow dahlias, yellow roses, yellow chrysanthemums. Sunshine yellow – the colour of summer, still summer.
It is still picnic weather, one still can still amble along the riverside with an ice cream, tall glasses of chilled juices – although my ‘thermos of tea’ is never far! In Scotland, ‘midges’ are still out in full force – think mosquito with a tartan bonnet! I have not yet packed away my summer dresses and t shirts in exchange for Winter Woolens– It is Still Summer!
Out of the Wild and into the Simple
We have been back from India for 4 months and this has been our first ‘non working summer’.
Our Summertime has leaned towards lovey days around our own patch. Walks to the beach, forest picnics before the forest flies became too pesky! Glens and hills, and hot city pavements, but lots of time with our back door open into the garden as we ‘chored’ through the days with long overdue repairs, re-organising, de-cluttering. Maybe these are more spring time activities but given we were away in the spring, we fell into this routine, and enjoyed seeing the fruits of our labour.
We celebrated the 21stBirthday of ‘Baby Max’. No one can ever believe when their kids reach milestone ages! We had a beautiful family and friends gathering at home, and everyone enjoyed a Classic Parihar Spicy Feast! Was so great to have those who have been a part of Max’s life come and share the day. And to answer someone’s questions – Yes, Max was in attendance! (It used to be when people came, he was so shy, that he would nip across the road to his grandpa’s house and message me every half hour ‘mum, have they gone yet!’.) If you know Max, you will totally get it!
Golf Clubs and Yoga Mats have been ready at the front door – of course the yoga for me and the golf for Mr P @parihar3419. He has played across oh, at least 12 golf courses since we came back. If anyone is thinking that he must now be a Pro, he says ‘Golf is the only sport you can play more of and get worse!’
I am now on 4 yoga mats as I search for one which is ‘non slippy’. Each one claims to be ‘non slippy’ but they all are, unless I have special slidey hands. I have done yoga with two teachers. Two very different styles, but both just the best!
For me, a bit of Wild is my summertime activity of outdoor dipping at the beautiful tidal pool at Pitenweem. I have wanted to do this for a couple of years but truth is I am a ‘cald tattie’ and not a strong or confident swimmer! Anil and I walked part of the coastal route early August and I stood safely on dry land and watched brave souls enter the pool. It was a sunny Sunday and the water sparkled in brilliance, a day when the water did not seem bone chilling, but a welcome relief. I know – I say this as I was standing on dry land fully clothed!
As It was Still Summer I hurried up and made the plan before Autumn chills set in. I knew the very friend who would be up for the challenge, and thus we set off at 5.30am for our first experience! No wet suits, no gloves, just our costumes and determination. We did it, and as I write we have been back 5 times. It is thrilling!
Now- I would say I am dipping and the swimming part is minimal! But that will come – but know what – I don’t mind if it doesn’t! It is the submersion into that spine tingling water that is my aim!
Will we carry on into winter? I do not know for sure, but for now – IT IS STILL SUMMER!! So will definitely have a few more baptisms before winter.
Meetings, gatherings, coffees, walks, thermos,lunches,ice cream,60th birthday, memories – having the time to meet up with friends this summer has been beautiful. Young friends, old friends, new friends, work, childhood, schooldays, strangers – some stay, some go, some are easy some are not. ‘Friendship that insists upon agreement on all matters is not worth the name. Friendship to be real must ever sustain the weight of honest differences, however sharp they be’.
But – it will not be summer for much longer so our PLAN B, following our Mount Kailash trek cancellation is to get some wheels and travel through Andalusia, Southern Spain. We will spend around 5 days each in 5 of the 8 provinces of the region. The distance between each of those destinations is around 500 miles but we will meander and linger in pueblos so will not be onerous.
Viva Espana! ‘Travel, because travel teaches to say good morning to everyone regardless of which sun we come from’ Gio Evan
And when we return it will NOT STILL BE SUMMER!
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