Things I Like About Summer

I know. Hard to believe I can find anything to like about summer when the average temp is 110. But here's my list of sizzling favorites.

- Putting on a t-shirt with the lingering scent of sun block on it. You know that cocoa butter smell. It whispers summer and makes me dream of evenings in the pool with KOOL FM playing Crosby, Stills and Nash.

- Leah falling asleep in her bathing suit. There is nothing as sweet as an 8 year old dozing off in her pink print Ariel bathing suit. The next morning she stumbles into the family room, hair askew rubbing her eyes. Her suit is twisted revealing her tan lines (and usually a wedgie.)

- A cold beer. Any kind. Poolside is best.

- Rolling thunder. That deep rumble followed by a brief summer rain raising the humidity and our hope that fall temperatures are coming soon.

- Mornings when the a/c is a little too low and you burrow further under the comforter.

- No guilt about missing church. It's a free pass in the summer.

- Throwing the dogs in the pool and their frantic paddle to the steps.

Attention: PETA

No animals are ever hurt during this activity.

- Gin and tonics. Make mine a tall and don't skimp on the lime.

- The only time of year when salad is an accepted dinner chez Woods.

- Emerging from a frigid movie theater into the blazing sun. You head for the stifling cocoon of your car and there is a 60 second stretch when your body relishes the heat.

- The infrequent silences brought on when the a/c takes a break and the ceiling fans are off. I savor the few moments when I can just listen to the stillness of a 109 degree day.

And those, my friends, are some of the things I like about summer in the desert.