Sun + Bomb Pops = Summer!

When the mercury starts rising and the sun starts to make itself more visible, I get excited. Summer on Long Island is so much fun and is full of so many possibilities. This year is no different. It's the taste of a refreshing lemonade, the smell of the ocean, the warm breeze that blows through your hair as the sun sets and, of course, the ringing of the music from Mister Softee as he coasts passed your house. (If he was a real person, I would consider having a torrid affair with him. Sorry TK.) I don't even mind the occasional sunburn because it means I don't have to wear blush for a few days. Ah, summer.

To start off the season, I will be heading to Tennessee with my parents to do a little sightseeing, eat some barbecue and create a few memories. When we get back, it will be Fourth of July, which, as far as I am concerned, is the kick-off of summer and fireworks displays. My Uncle Frankie always has a huge family barbecue at his house with food, drinks and fireworks, and I make it a point to be there early and leave late. I don't know if my family enjoys spending time with me as much as I like spending time with them, but I really don't care. I have a great time.

Since we all love summer, my friends and I have created a whole list of things to do before the leaves start to turn. The list is as follows:

1. Go to Shelter Island (never been)
2. Go to other beaches (we always go to Smithspoint or Corey, snore!)
3. Go mountain biking (I own a very nice, expensive bike)
4. Go to Montauk
5. Go to the wineries
6. Go to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden (never been)
7. Go to the Bronx Zoo (haven't been since I was a child)
8. Go to a Ducks Game (always a nice day out)
9. Go golfing (my new hobby)
10. Go roller skating (haven't roller skated in several years)
11. Go upstate to a drive-in (didn't know they were still around)
12. Go hiking
13. Go to Fire Island
14. Go to Great Adventure (haven't been since 1999)
15. Go to festivals/fairs (one of my favorite things to do)
16. Visit the Pollock Krasner House (always wanted to go)
17. Eat/drink at the Southampton Publick House (I hear the micro brew is great)
18. Go to the GSB Music Fest
19. Go canoeing
20. Have a picnic
21. Hang at a boat club
22. Go to a Dave Matthews concert (already have the tickets)

And then after making the list with my friends, I was motivated to make a list of my own that covers the things I want to do, even if it is by my lonesome:

1. Eat a lobster roll
2. Frame artwork
3. Shop at Loaves & Fishes in Sagaponack (in search of chowder)
4. Ride in a zorb
5. See the Grand Ole Opry
6. Try Tennessee rub BBQ
7. Play golf with someone other than TK (maybe I should branch out)
8. Go fishing with Dad (always some nice QT)

Maybe you have noticed that I like lists, from this post and prior posts, but it keeps me motivated and organized. I just cannot wait to start checking things off the lists, and now that I am leaving for my vacation in a week, I can get started. Bring on the sunshine!