August

August: the month where the sun tries to cook us like the supermarket rotisserie chickens. It’s 98 degrees in the shade, your deodorant has given up, and your AC is weeping softly in the corner. But hey—watermelon’s cheap, sunsets are dramatic, and there’s still time to grill those three zucchinis your neighbor lovingly left at your door. For those who celebrate birthdays smack in the middle of summer madness, you’ve probably endured more melted cake icing and suffered more sunburns than you'd care to admit.

Meanwhile, students experience emotional meltdowns around mid-August. Summer freedom evaporates like the last drop of lemonade, and suddenly August becomes less about purchasing school supplies and looking forward to reconnecting with friends and more about being chained to a desk under fluorescent lighting.

Working folks? They've been grinding through summer anyway, pausing only to glance out the window longingly. End of summer means fewer vacationers clogging the roadways during lunch hour as you attempt to run errands. August ends the concept that working-from-the-beach is a legitimate lifestyle.

But for those who are retired, August—also known as the end of summer—is just another flavor in the sundae of life. We’re not eyeing calendars with dread—no counting the weeks until the next three-day weekend or holiday, no looming deadlines, no early alarms, no back-to-school chaos. If anything, we welcome the shift as beaches and parks empty, tourist spots quiet down, and it’s finally our turn to enjoy the world with fewer crowds and less sunscreen.

Everyone’s clock ticks differently—but retired folks definitely win the chill trophy.

And, not just in August, but year ‘round.

See you in September!

Independence and Sliced Tomatoes

Ah, July 4th. A day when we celebrate liberty, justice, and our fundamental human right to eat way too many grilled red meats. But beneath the fireworks and watermelon chunks lies a deeper truth: democracy is a lot like a garden. Messy. Labor-intensive. And constantly invaded by weeds that refuse to take a hint.

Right now, our political soil feels...compacted. A little dry. Maybe even scorched. But guess what? That’s when gardeners get scrappy. We dig in with hope, compost a little frustration, and keep planting the good stuff: kindness, empathy, truth—heck, even accountability if we’re feeling brave.

Our founding folks planted liberty like it was a wild heirloom tomato. Gorgeous, unruly, and not always pest-resistant.

Now it's our turn to tend the plot—give it water, pull the weeds, and try not to step on the lettuce of civil discourse. So this Independence Day, let’s celebrate freedom like gardeners celebrating the first zucchini—awkward, proud, and slightly unsure what to do with it.

Let’s grow something together. Something bold. Something hopeful. And if it all goes sideways… well, we’ve got tomatoes!

Pictured: our little garden plat at our apartment complex. We planted cherry tomatoes hoping for a bumper crop in August as we battle chickweed (Stellaria media).

...the Start of Summer

Memorial Day Weekend signals the unofficial start of summer. Fill the propane tank, hose off the patio, fluff the lounge chair cushions because the weeks to come are filled with plans for backyard gatherings, picnics in parks, beach days, lake kayaking, and oh so much more!

Eileen and I enjoyed our first mini-vacation of the season a few weekends ago, and for me, the first celebration following Memorial Day Weekend is PRIDE month.

I came out when I was an older lesbian. Up until that time, I didn’t understand the significance of PRIDE. I had spent so many years HIDING, that the whole idea of being authentic was foreign. The thought of being OUT was terrifying.

As I tiptoed out of the closet, I gained a new appreciation for the many individuals who have played pivotal roles in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and shaping history through activism, advocacy, and cultural influence.

I’m not sure if Northeastern PA, my hometown area, or your hometown celebrates PRIDE, but in the Pacific Northwest, throughout the state of Washington, all month long, communities celebrate PRIDE with pride.

Olympia is recognized as one of the most welcoming cities in Washington, with a lively LGBTQ+ community and venues. Compared with larger cities, like Seattle and Tacoma, Olympia is small scale, but our Capital City's PRIDE events are jam-packed. This year, Olympia's PRIDE takes place on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. On Saturday, the waterfront boardwalk and parks will feature over 200 vendor booths, several drag performances, lots of music, and good family fun. The following day is the PRIDE parade -- a dazzling, joyful mix of people, each adding energy to the celebration of love, identity, and activism.

You’ll see:

·         Drag performers – Gliding through the crowd in larger-than-life outfits, bringing glamour, humor, and sheer artistry.

·         Families and allies – Parents proudly waving rainbow flags in support of their LGBTQ+ kids, friends marching arm-in-arm, showing their solidarity.

·         Activists and community groups – Organizations carrying banners, chanting for equality, and reminding everyone of the movement’s roots.

·         Queer youth – Overflowing with excitement, wrapped in pride flags, dancing to the music, and celebrating their identities.

·         Elders and history makers – Pioneers of LGBTQ+ rights, often wearing shirts with messages like "Stonewall Survivor," reminding everyone of the struggles that paved the way.

·         Local businesses – From LGBTQ-owned coffee shops to corporate sponsors, showing their commitment to inclusivity.

·         Musicians and dancers – Bringing the heartbeat of the parade to life with live performances, energetic beats, and choreographed routines.

·         Fantasy and cosplay enthusiasts – Dressed as everything from mermaids to superheroes, reveling in the creativity and freedom of expression.

·         Pet lovers – Yes, even pets get dressed up! You might see dogs in rainbow tutus, cats in tiny Pride hats, or even the occasional Pride-themed reptile.

Those who attend PRIDE events -- especially the parades -- find the energy contagious. Maybe this year will be your first! If anyone asks you, “Why are you here?” You can say that a lesbian friend (me) invited you!

Happy PRIDE