Ode to the Hammock

It's mid-July and already lists are appearing about the "ten things to do before summer fades"

Some of the things I have done that scream summer are:

Camped at Covo Hills Farm

Walked the hills

Rode the ATV

Ate corn cooked on the fire

Witnessed a magnificent display of fireflies in the cornfield

Sat around a campfire under the stars

Watched the moon appear over the trees

Planted a pumpkin patch

Planted a vegetable and herb garden

Made bruschetta with my fresh basil and tomatoes

Grilled seafood, chicken, burgers etc.

Rode the train to downtown Chicago

Walked around Millennium Park,

Lurie Gardens and saw a never-before-seen

view from the new Art Institute skybridge

Lunched at the Park

Dined in Little Italy and at Navy Pier

Watched a parade

Saw fireworks light the night sky - not once but three times!

Dined on the lawn

Cheered for the White Sox and Kane County Cougars

Got a new kitten

Played bags and bocce ball on the lawn

Attended a June wedding and beautiful backyard reception

Walked to downtown Hinsdale many times

Walked at Fullersburg Woods several times

Attended a couple art festivals

Attended a new church

Shopped at an outlet mall

But what I haven’t done is lie in our backyard hammock.

The thought is so tempting, the hammock is so inviting, but I never plop into the cocooning comfort for a good read or lazy day nap. Nestled amid perennials beneath a canopy of leaves, it’s a shady afternoon retreat just begging to be enjoyed before the changing seasons transforms the glorious summer garden into a blanket of white and the hammock becomes just another winter landmark.