August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd, uneven time.
Sylvia Plath
As a kid, I didn't much like August. July seemed to fly by. We enjoyed being out of school, going swimming, picking and eating fresh fruit and garden produce and maybe going on a little trip or a holiday of some kind. Then it was August: hot and boring. The days passed slowly. Getting school supplies, and maybe new shoes or a piece of clothing, was a highlight. I looked forward to being back in school.
Not much has changed for me. I still think July goes by way too fast. Fresh strawberries and blueberries are never around long enough. Family at the cabin is always hectic in July, then tapers off in August. I find myself looking forward to the coolness and the routines of the fall.
I guess if you love summer, August gives you time to make the most of it. If you're tired of summer, rest assured that the cool days of fall are arriving soon.
We're in the midst of another extreme heat system and a horrific fire season. Lucky are those who live with the comfort of air conditioning. Not all are so fortunate. Be aware of your neighbours' plight, particularly the vulnerable elders, babies, and pets. Think of ways to make their lives more pleasant.
Hats off to all the hard-working firefighters throughout the region doing their utmost to extinguish the raging fires and protect us and our environment. Knowing that many of these fires are "human-caused" creates in me a lot of fear and anxiety. An earnest plea to the general public: use extreme caution when outdoors. Respect the campfire bans, and smoke if you must, but be extra vigilant how and where you put out your cigarette butts. Be responsible. I'm aware that most cars no longer have ashtrays, so make your own. A can of sand with a lid, or a half-full water bottle, should work just fine. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Kudos also to the Clinton Community Forest, which so generously provides grant funds to many organizations in Clinton. Your contribution makes a huge difference to how groups function. Thank you!
There are no member birthdays to celebrate in August.
Today is the oldest you have been and the youngest you will ever be again. Make the most of it!
Nicky Gumbel
