Of Summer and School (but not together!)

I. Am. Loving. Summer.

For quite possibly the first time ever.

In years past, summer has boded oppressive heat and bored children. This year, summer means NO STUDYING! (Living in Colorado has helped in the oppressive heat category, no doubt, but I "sweated" my first year of nursing school way more than those hot Texas summers.)

Each morning finds Keeper at my bedside offering me a choice: "What is it today? An early morning walk? Or you and me on the back deck? Shoes or coffee?"

I am savoring running, bike-riding, dog-walking, fiction-book-reading, hiking, Wii-gaming, pool-lounging, popsicle-eating... even car-and-dog-washing days.

This has also been a much-needed time of reflection. School (ok, life!) threw alot of stress my way last fall, and anxiety was quick to follow. It may not ever be possible to achieve perfect balance, but...

perhaps a little less time here:

and more time here:

perhaps recognizing my running-addiction:

has to be balanced with a wee bit-o' Keeper-wisdom:

You get the picture.