9-01-2026 5:31pm

I'm not Saying Goodbye to Summer Just Yet

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. There's still a few weeks left. But I feel the way most of you do that when school starts, it feels like summer ends.

I had a beautiful summer. Because of the rainfall we've had, my garden is flourishing. I've had fresh cut flowers in my home every week.

Summer. Even if it's not your favorite season, it stands out from the others. There's a certain reverence that we seem to have for summer. But has it always been a special season?

Summer has not always been considered “special” in the same way it is today, but its status as a distinct and valued season is deeply rooted in both natural cycles and human culture.

From a natural perspective, summer is the result of Earth’s axial tilt and its position in its orbit around the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, it occurs between the summer solstice (around June 21) and the autumnal equinox (around September 22), bringing the longest days, highest solar angles, and peak warmth.

These conditions have always existed, but their cultural significance has evolved over time. Historically, many ancient civilizations marked summer as a time of abundance, fertility, and celebration. In the Northern Hemisphere, Midsummer (around June 24) was celebrated in cultures like the Norse, Slavic, and Celtic traditions, often with festivals honoring the sun and harvest.

In the Southern Hemisphere, summer aligns with the warmest months of December–February, which also held cultural importance in Indigenous and colonial traditions. Culturally, summer’s “specialness” has grown. In modern times, it is associated with outdoor activities, vacations, school breaks, and seasonal foods. What a season. I love summer.

These associations are relatively recent, shaped by industrialization, travel, and leisure culture. In earlier eras, summer’s value was tied more to agricultural cycles, migration, and survival. Scientifically, summer’s defining features—longer days, warmer temperatures, and certain natural phenomena like fire rainbows and noctilucent clouds—have always been present in the right latitudes.

However, the idea that these are “special” is a human interpretation, not a fixed fact.

I retired just before summer began this year. I planned it that way. My last official day was June 20th, just before the summer solstice. I even wrote a song about it with my boyfriend a few years ago.

I think what I'm enjoying most about this summer is not having to set an alarm clock and not having a packed calendar. One of the most special memories was celebrating my 50th High School Reunion in June. I've heard from a lot of classmates since, and we've met for lunch and beach dates. School was out for summer.

I hope you enjoy your endless summer.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is Bradstock. This is a music festival that runs every Labor Day weekend for two days.

From the Website:

Over Labor Day weekend in 1994, several friends from the Bayport-Sayville area organized a day of music, food and fun. Held in the backyard of Bayport resident Brad Ringhouse, the event, which proved to be a rousing success, was aptly dubbed “Bradstock.”

With enthusiasm sky high, the all-volunteer organizers planned Bradstock II for the following Labor Day. However, two extra ingredients were to be added to the original, successful formula - a focus on our environment and a determination to raise funds to donate to area organizations.

The good time had by all was to be complemented with a good cause supported by all. which is exactly what has happened.

For tickets, visit Tickets | Bradstock

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was spending time at the beach this past weekend. The weather was perfect. There's never enough beach time for this gal!!

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

Enlish: I'm not saying goodbye to summer just yet.

Italian: Non sto ancora dicendo addio all'estate.

Support your local news!

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

A white room can be the perfect backdrop for a collected, antique-filled home.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is your favorite color for your interiors?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under this post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONGS OF THE WEEK - JOLENE by the one and only, Dolly Parton. And LOVE WILL FIND A WAY by the incomparable, Lionel Richie.

We lost our beloved Dolly. There are no words. One of my favorite songs of hers is Jolene. Rest well, sweet woman. You will be missed dearly.

And Lionel Richie has been hospitalized this week. Let's say a prayer for this incredible artist. Love will find a way.

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I'm open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!