If you’re like me, you blinked around July 4 and now, it’s August.
In just a few short months, we’ll be firmly immersed in another school year, and kids’ activities will, hopefully, go off without a hitch.
And with that comes what I have always considered the best time of year – autumn in Michigan.
Take a drive anywhere in the state from about the end of September through mid-October and the images are phenomenal. Breathtaking, really.
My wife and I also love the fall so much that we chose to get married in October, way back in 2004. Wow, has it really been almost 17 years? I guess it’s true that time flies when you’re having fun.
The start of the school year is also the beginning of holidays and milestones – Labor Day, our aforementioned anniversary, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and New Year’s.
Plus, it’s hockey season and yardwork slows down, so what can top that? Add in going to high school football games and seeing our kids in the marching band while having all three kids playing and reffing soccer, and to be honest, I can’t wait.
All those holidays above have one common factor, and that’s family. Nothing is more important than family, and every year, I look forward to these dates when seeing family is pretty much a guarantee.
With those get-togethers also means good food and drink, tons of laughs, and a renewed sense of excitement for what lies ahead.
Don’t get me wrong, though. I love summer. The smell of fresh-cut grass or a bonfire or food on the grill can’t be forgotten. The sound of splashing in the pool, crickets and frogs at night, and Dan Dickerson calling Tigers games is second to none.
Right now, it’s that time of year where we have that last little bit of summer while looking ahead to autumn. Everything is still green right now but that will soon change.
Again, I can’t wait.
And even as these past 18 months or so have been crazy and unique, I believe a positive attitude (and staying off of social media) can go a long way these days.
— Matt Mackinder