Our summers are short here in the PNW. I almost feel panicky about making sure I get out and enjoy these precious warm, sunny days. I want to eat al fresco every day, ride every bike path, and watch every sunset because I know that my opportunities to do that are limited.
In the meantime, we are busy keeping our house “show ready” for selling, and continuing to plow through years of memorabilia, such as The Wedding China and other accumulated Stuff. It is emotionally exhausting trying to decide what makes the move and what doesn’t, as well as making hundreds of decisions on the new build. I definitely have decision fatigue. We went out to breakfast the other day and the waitress asked what type of toast I wanted with my meal. I hesitated way too long as I went back and forth a couple of times, weighing the merits of wheat versus sourdough. I simply could not make another decision. She finally said, “it is just a piece of toast honey.” Smile.
By the way, I was thrilled when my lovely DIL (wife of son #2) decided to take the wedding china. This was perfect and so fitting since she was my very first DIL. I can even borrow it once in a blue moon if I want to.
The toast incident made me realize that something has to give or else summer will be over, and I will have missed it entirely. The sun is shining, the waves are calling, and outdoor summer concerts are tuning up everywhere. So, I am going to take a little summer break from the blog to enjoy all this season has to offer. Of course, we are still in the process of selling our current home, finishing up the build of our new home and will be moving at the end of the summer, so it won’t be all about naps in the hammock. I will be back before the leaves start to change color to report on the moving experience. Have a great summer everyone!
Nature has a plethora of beautiful, free entertainment, just waiting to be explored. With the onset of warmer weather, people start crawling out of their dark houses, ready for some sunshine and time outside. Fortunately, both of these are free. There are so many opportunities to enjoy summer with no cost involved. Bonus that all of these options are also good for your physical and/or mental health. Healthy, free entertainment – who could ask for more than that?
Free summer entertainment
Foraging. One of the most satisfying summer activities is to go foraging out in the wild. Think blackberries, huckleberries and mushrooms. It just takes a little research and a small bucket and off you go. When our boys were little, we would trek to an old, abandoned orchard and pick plums and apples. Now we enjoy heading into the woods to forage for huckleberries. Hucks, as we call them, are a small tart berry that pairs great with a little sugar. Matter of fact, we were having company over for a B.B.Q. this week, so I made a berry cream pie with last year’s frozen huckleberries. I got this recipe from a dear friend over 30 years ago and have made it numerous times. It is fool proof. (See pictures below for the recipe.) I have made it with raspberries, and it was equally delicious.
From fresh picked berries to pie.As you can see, I have used this recipe a lot over the years.
The library. If you haven’t already, go get your library card… for free! The library is a wealth of interesting and entertaining information. You can download the Libby App, also for free. The app allows you to order and download books to your e-reader from your local library. I have had my Kindle for years and use it almost every day. If you are not a reader, you can also get audio books to listen to. Again, no charge.
Walking. Walking is a great option almost all year long, but it is particularly beautiful in the summer months. Take a walk on a nature path or walk around town observing life in the city. Either way, you are getting steps and lifting your spirits. If you prefer, listen to that free audiobook from the library while you take in the sights.
Music. Most cities have free concerts in parks throughout the summer months. Thursday nights seem to be the most popular evening for these concerts in our area. Pack up your own picnic dinner, water bottle and lawn chairs and go enjoy some uplifting live music. Some venues offer adult beverages if you want to dish out a little cash for them. Then sit back and let the music and fresh air sink into you. Or better yet, get up and dance a little.
Nu Jack City was an excellent band with free admission at a city park.
Beaches. Sitting at the beach, sunshine on your shoulders, mesmerized by the waves lapping up on shore is great therapy. Take a thermos of iced tea and a book or just people watch. When it gets too warm, you can take a refreshing dip in the water. Don’t worry, there is no charge.
Hiking. Look into hiking paths in your area. You may be surprised how many are close by. Tubbs Hill is a natural park that borders our city. It has beautiful hiking paths with views of the lake along the way. You may have to drive a little further to get to some hiking paths. Pack up a lunch, grab a friend and hit the trails. The beauty and exercise are natural antidepressants.
Farmer’s Markets. Farmer’s markets abound in the summer months everywhere. They are a feast for the senses. You get to see colorful produce piled up, take in the aroma of fresh bread and paella simmering, while listening to live music. While you do not have to spend a penny to go, you may want to bring a little cash to support your local farmers and get a taste of some wonderful food. Our area has Farmers’ Markets on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.
Farmer’s markets are a feast for the senses.
History & the arts. For those of you that are history buffs, there are so many historical sites and museums to see. Or keep an eye out for free art shows. Our city has a Friday Art Walk on the 2nd Friday of every month. You can stroll down main street in the early evening and stop in at the various shops to see local artist’s work. The first weekend in August there is a large street fair called, Art on the Green. It draws artists from all over the PNW that showcase their work. Of course, there are food trucks and live music too. It is big enough that you get in a good walk while enjoying the artist’s creations.
Hours of free entertainment after an initial investment
Some things require an initial investment but then you get hours and hours of free entertainment from them. If it is something you know you will use, and it will not sit in the garage to gather dust, then it is money very well spent. If you take the time to look around enough, you can purchase most summer toys on sale or used and keep the initial cost fairly low. For me, two of those have been my kayak and bike. My kayak was a gift, although it was from Mr. U, so it came from the same coffers. I think he got it for me just because he got tired of hearing me talk about wanting to buy one. Who says nagging doesn’t work?
Biking. I rode my old bike frequently after work before I retired, so, I was sure that I would use it a lot once I quit the nine-to-five rat race. Therefore, I bought a brand new one as a retirement gift to myself. One of my favorite places to ride is along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It is a 73-mile flat trail that was paved over an old railroad. And one of the best parts is that there are a few watering holes along the way.
Beautiful ride along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.
Gardening. You can’t beat walking out your back door and harvesting fruit, vegetables or flowers from your garden. There is a small initial cost of buying the seeds and then the labor of planting, watering and weeding them, but it is well worth it when you pick that first strawberry of the season. Or better yet, if you are like me, you have a spouse that enjoys gardenwork. If you do not have the space or interest to grow a garden, try being a potager or find you-picks in your area. It is an inexpensive way to reap the harvest without having to put on a single garden glove.
Kayaking. River rafting and kayaking are popular summer activities where we live. Not the big white-water kind, although people do that too. But more the slow, beer in hand, kind of rafting or the stop and sip of glass of white wine kind of kayaking. It is safer to go with at least one other person. Besides, it is more fun that way.
Perfect calm, reflective water for kayaking,
Fishing. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment or a boat to enjoy this hobby. Just throw a pole in the water and then sit back and relax. There are several old “codgers” that gather to fish at a specific area on our small lake. Personally, I think they do more talking than fishing, but hey, connecting with others is part of the health benefit. They spend so much time there that they staked it out with a sign on a tree.
Lots of old fish stories told at this place.
The biggest hurdle
Sometimes the biggest hurdle to getting out and enjoying summer’s free bounty is our own lack of motivation. It takes a little effort. We retire and settle into our favorite recliner and then we don’t want to get out. After all, we reason, we worked our whole lives and so we deserve to rest. However, too much rest will lead to rust and even depression. Joints get stiff and our brains are under stimulated. Summer removes a lot of the excuses, such as it is too cold or rainy. It is the perfect season to get outside. And no excuses that you don’t want to spend the money, because so much summer entertainment is free.
I am sure there are tons of other ways to enjoy summer on the cheap. The possibilities are endless, particularly if you want to get out and be in nature. Think about camping, roller blading, going to the park with the grands for a picnic, or even just laying on your back in the cool grass and watching the clouds roll by. Just turn off the T.V. and boost yourself out of that comfy chair. Let’s take advantage of these beautiful sunny days and get out to enjoy life… for free!
Lover of flip flops, waking up without an alarm, fireside chats, street tacos, waves lapping up on shore, creativity, family, the cork and all things garlic.
