6/7/2018 Things of Summer: Bees, Pool Water, Books, Tomatoes

And just like that it is summer.  Randolph-Macon has sent its graduates out into the world and the streets around campus are empty and quiet.  Swim team practices have begun at the pool with the wonderful addition of Ari Brothers as a coach.  She is reportedly tough, but encouraging, and the allure of ribbons and a ticket to the championship meet surrounds her swimmers.  There are a few days left of school, but those days are all half-days next week; for the seniors, their last day is tomorrow.  

Mosquitoes, wasps, lightening bugs, may flies- all manner of Virginia summer buzzers have returned.  We avoid walking bare-footed in the grass so that we don't step on a bee, and every evening we try and destroy the wasp nests that have develop daily in the upper eaves of the porch.  Magnolias are in bloom, morning glories are just starting to appear and are looking for something to climb, and I spend too much time looking online at vacation cottages along salty rivers in the Northern Neck.

All of this is to say that it is another summer in the COTU and we have a wonderful couple of months ahead of us!  A wise man from Arkansas once told me, "Ya'll are the most gettin-together people I've ever met."  Yes, we do like to get together; it is so much fun.

Saturday mornings have become market days in Ashland. Everything is alive and awake as the Farmer's Market draws record crowds, and the shops in town line their sidewalk space with flowers, plants, and toys.  Saturdays around here are really how every mornings should be: no long, hectic commutes, no scrambling to get kids out to the bus.  Just a nice walk or bike ride into town to see what the farmers have brought in today.  

The newly remodeled Cross Brothers continues to attract lots of customers and attention!  They are accomplishing a lot in the smaller space, and we are enjoying all the delicious pre-made goods.  I have heard wonders about a certain ice cream sandwich.  

This Saturday, come out to see the new concession stand at the Carter Park Pool and enjoy a day in the sun for free!  The Town is hosting "A Day in the Park" on June 9th.  Residents and visitors will have the chance to learn more about the parks in town and the recreational offerings.  The pool will be open for all, and visitors will be able to provide input on new playground equipment at the Kiwanis Pufferbelly Park.  There will also be volleyball, corn hole, and other games.    

Summer Reading sign-ups are happening now at your neighborhood library.  Just like waiting for a train forces us to take a breath and put the car into "park," a visit to the library instantly calms and settles you.  I think we should all be stopping by there at least once a week.  Look for their schedule of events on their website, and find a good book to read by the pool this Saturday.  

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Enjoy the weekend, Ashland!