It’s the last day of July 2023.

Summer is already winding down and living next to the high school offers a glimpse into summer’s end as soccer, cross country, and football practices have been underway for several weeks. This morning, the Marching Firebirds begin their band camp.

I am excited that the day’s high will be eighty. I think this will be a much welcome respite for the Miami Valley, and any other place that might be enjoying the same lower temperatures.

This past weekend was the annual Celtic Festival in downtown Dayton. This seems to be the seasonal kickoff for festivals. I once loved going to festivals. Now, I avoid them due to the crowds, possibly getting jostled, standing in long lines, and of course, for this past weekend, the uncomfortable heat. I do miss the Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival each October but, again, I would just not be as comfortable with the crowds.

Yes, there are crowds at Dayton Live events, but that is entirely different as I know where to stand and how to manage things.

My goal for this coming week is to accomplish much in the way of research. I am working with outlines as I continue researching and enjoying this journey with the writing and the plot. I feel depleted and unenthusiastic about starting the day, but I hope that will change. Well, I will amend it.

Sunday evening’s lessons were smooth and productive. There was incredible energy and I am betting the Monday and Tuesday students will bring the same quality to their lessons – it’s in the air.

Back Yard

by Carl Sandburg

(In Carl Sandburg’s “Back Yard,” he describes a gorgeous summer night. It’s filled with the sights and sounds of the season, as well as the languid feel of a warm evening under the moon.)

“Shine on, O moon of summer.
Shine to the leaves of grass, catalpa and oak,
All silver under your rain to-night.

An Italian boy is sending songs to you to-night from an accordion.
A Polish boy is out with his best girl; they marry next month;
to-night they are throwing you kisses.

An old man next door is dreaming over a sheen that sits in a
cherry tree in his back yard.

The clocks say I must go—I stay here sitting on the back porch drinking
white thoughts you rain down.

Shine on, O moon,
Shake out more and more silver changes.”

Make it a great day!