As Summer is dwindling to its final weeks I was just thinking over what I love about Summer. These are my top ten. Feel free to share yours.

10. Vacations: Everyone seems so rejuvenated and ready to go somewhere, anywhere. Whether it is a Cruise to Alaska or a weekend in Branson a little time away helps everyone get back on track. Waking up in the morning seems the be the struggle upon your return.

9. Weddings: I had two last Summer and two this Summer. Weddings are a wonderful time to spend with family and friends. It always reminds me of my wedding and how excited I was that day. The sad part is when it is over and there are no more showers, gifts and wedding cake

8. Drive – In: I wait all Winter for them to open. It is my favorite place to go on an unplanned evening and enjoy the nice Summer breeze. Plus you get to watch two movies for the price of one and the concessions have way better food than any AMC theatre.

7. Patios: The best way to entertain guests or have some happy hour drinks outside. Patios are a perfect way to be outdoors under the stars. I just redecorated my back patio and the first thing I did at the start of Summer was have a dinner out there. It’s too hot for that now, but if you get a cool night nothing beats it.

6. A/C Window Units: I have one in my house. Upstairs where the attic does not ventilate very well. I have always loved the units. When I was a kid and was burning up from the blistering sun the A/C unit would always be the thing to cool me down. Yes central air is a wonderful thing I would not dare be without, but the good old window units give me fond memories.

5. Power & Light: This is a new one. I know a lot of people shy away from there. It is a high energy place filled with tons of people. When has Kansas City ever offered anything like it? There has not been a place where so many diverse people can go and have a good time. I have never felt unsafe there, with cops at every bar entrance and exit. With the FREE concerts on the Live stage and the wide variety of bars it is one of my favorite places to go and hangout with good friends or the hubby. If you have not been down there yet, give it a try!

4. Birthdays: I have one in July, Husband in August; there is one in every Summer month. It is always great to get all the family & friends together to celebrate.

3. Friends: Most of them have moved away for college, but slowly are returning home. It seems like I see most of those long lost friends in the Summer when they return home for weeks at a time. I have gained a friendship this year with someone I have known for 15 years…so Summertime is definitely a friendly time!

2. TV: Not because there is anything good on, but because my favorite shows are in reruns. It allows me to go to more movies without wondering what I missed and having to catch up on weekends!

1. POOL: I love them. Clean, fresh, chlorine and sun. I feel reborn every time I get in the water. Sounds crazy! I love the smell of chlorine, the feeling of the hot sun and when I get sunburn I am a little happy! If I could set up a tent and be at the pool 24/7 I would, but this is life. Who can do that?