The last day of June, and it officially feels like summer. Not only was the weather warm and sunny, but it was TGIF, 

and drivers were again proving that nice weather does not improve skills on the road.

I raced through work, driven by the nice weather outside and the general contentment engendered within those I was to see. 

Sunny days make everyone feel good, therefore, 

my services aren’t required.

Happily I left, mission accomplished in record time due to the optimism around me.

We packed and headed to the lake to spend the weekend with family, 

no large celebration for us this Canada day but with plans for the children firmly in place. 

Crowds have a tendency to make me feel constricted, alone in tight quarters, 

so I much prefer the open spaces and bike parades of a small community 

over the fireworks of a Capitol.

I watched again as they bloomed, my little sunflowers. 

Full of joy outdoors, they screeched and sang with the exuberance of small children, 

boundless energy as I tried to keep pace.

Stopping only briefly for a small snack, and then racing off again.

I watch them, thinking about my childhood summer days and feeling nostalgic. 

And yet, I wouldn’t trade these moments even for a chance to go back. 

If possible, I’m enjoying them even more from this angle, 

the second time around I’m taking mental snapshots so I don’t forget them again