AUGUST NIGHTS

This August is turning into a pleasant surprise. Scrunched between a scorching July and the inevitable back to school rush and football addiction has been glorious weather that makes one want to sleep on the porch.  With Congress in recess, business slow and light traffic as many go on vacation, it may be the best time to literally smell the roses.

Unexpected cool mornings, hot afternoons and pleasant evenings do not seem like normal August fare.  Many days are something to hold on to, particularly when the light is fading and the hot misty air fights a cooling breeze for your attention.  When the skin is still salty from the earlier bright sun but it feels like a sweater might soon be in order.

My only passing thought of the coming election is the raucous blue jays fighting the more conservative (red) cardinals for the limited supply of peanuts provided for their pleasure.  No sign of bipartisanship anywhere.  Only the libertarian squirrels seem interested in stowing away any bounty for the winter.

While the days are growing shorter, the light holds almost to nine.  A double feature with no intermission compared to a December evening.  The pink in the sky seems to linger forever, like it wants to be painted on canvas before the night takes over.

I sometimes feel guilty for accomplishing little and enjoying the slow August pace.  Then I remember that they have been doing the same thing in the Southern Mediterranean for thousands of years.  Maybe all that Washington needs is a central piazza with a fountain that magically appears each August.  Outdoor communal enjoyment before everyone hustles back inside for homework and Monday Night Football.