The End of Summer

Oh no! Why is summer flying by so fast? Here's what I've noticed.

I am a huge fan of the month of August. Except for the fact that it means summer is leaving us too soon. You can already notice how much earlier it is starting to get dark.

Although it is still hot and humid, and we locals know that summer will last well into September, there are some signs that things are winding down.

For one thing, many of the lifeguards and boardwalk summer employees have headed back to college.

I also noticed that, yesterday morning, there were FAR less people at the beach and inlet. Many packed up Sunday and left their beach homes because school starts earlier this year.

And, speaking of school, the mall was PACKED yesterday with back-to-school shoppers...on a BEACH DAY!

As much as I love the way the shore clears out after Labor Day...there is something a little lonely when the festive party atmosphere in the shore towns, and all the families in their rented beach houses, all go away. It's suddenly so quiet that it feels like summer is over...even though it doesn't officially end until SEPTEMBER 23rd!

Sure, we'll still have nice weekends where Jenks keeps some lifeguards on staff and the beaches and rides open, but the FEELING is different when you know that autumn is right around the corner.

Please, I beg you, PLEASE, don't leave us, you beautiful, hot, humid and full-of-beach-traffic summer. You are still FAR better than the alternative.