It is hard to believe that we are coming to the midway point of July. 

It seems like only yesterday was Memorial Day. Of course, we will be saying the same thing about Fourth of July in a few weeks.

That said, summer goes way too fast for my liking.

Having grown up on the East Coast, we wanted to do all we could to take advantage of summer before Labor Day rolled around. That holiday when younger meant school was on the horizon (see more below on that topic), the start of generally cooler weather, no more weekend trips to the Jersey Shore until the following year and so on.

As a big sports fan, summer also gives me an opportunity to take a break watching games on television for a month or so.

With the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final in the rearview mirror, there is not a lot for me to watch sportswise on television over the summer. While I enjoy going to MLB games, it is too slow for me to watch on the tube other than in the fall when the playoffs arrive. In my opinion, the season is way too long and regular season play should end by Labor Day and not the beginning of October.

I’m not into the Summer Olympics, so another event I will pass on. I have great admiration for all the time and sweat the athletes put into their respective sports, but would rather watch hockey, skiers, those running the bobsleds etc. in the Winter Olympics.

One of the many great things about living in San Diego is that we can go to the beach pretty much all year. I find weekend trips to the beach to be quite relaxing after a long week. Sitting there watching the waves, enjoying the nice weather and more makes you appreciate all the many beaches around here have to offer.

If you’re not a fan of big crowds, the large gatherings at the beach tend to die down after Labor Day. I actually enjoy a packed beach and appreciate all the tourists coming here from much warmer climates to get some R&R in while enjoying our weather and all we have to offer.

Speaking of Labor Day a moment ago, can we get a national law in place where kids in all 50 states start back to school on the same day?

I’m old enough to remember always starting the day after Labor Day. Meantime, I had some family in other states having to go back in early August. Now, you have some states sending their kids back in the middle to late portions of July. Do you really want your child sitting in a classroom (even when air conditioned) in Arizona, Texas etc. in late July? While they get out from school a few weeks earlier in the spring than much of the rest of the country, no way would I want to be in a classroom when it is 110 degrees outside. Having the same school starts in all 50 states would also make it easier for families to plan trips in the summer with relatives in other parts of the country with kids.

As you take in all San Diego has to offer over this month and next, make sure to enjoy it.

Before you know it, school bells will be ringing, summer vacations will be in the rearview mirror, days will be getting noticeably shorter etc. and the countdown to Christmas will be on.

Don’t worry, you still have plenty of time to think about your Christmas shopping list!

CAPTION: The sun sets on another day at San Carlos Community Garden. Get out and enjoy all SCCG has to offer this summer. Photo credit: Richard Fahey