August 23, 2026

Is the summer ending or just beginning?

Boy, it’s kind of hard for me to tell, despite the date posted at the top of this blog…

I’ve experienced full Junes and Julys on this beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard for most of these past 33 years.  I’ve usually been hard at work, wishing for July to never end and for August to somehow reach the finish line.  September has been the reward that keeps on giving for those of us still here.  A well-deserved post-summer after the official summer season has run out of calendar days.

But this time around, for reasons hinted about in these past several blogs, I didn’t start my “Vineyard Summer of ’26” till Wednesday of last week.  And I’ll be back in NYC for four days starting this coming Thursday, for my niece Lindsay’s wedding.  My ferry back home for good has already been reserved for October 1.

Can I accept the concept of summer only beginning right now?

I have to admit; the cosmic signs have so far been a bit murky…

The sun has been trying to burst through the clouds.  The rain has threatened, even on the brighter days.  The traffic has been crazy.  The fair was last week, but last night’s end-of-season fireworks display was cancelled due to inclement weather.  The college kids are already getting ready to leave.

Can I get my mind to truly believe my personal summer has just begun?

And the answer is…

Well, I’m certainly going to try!!!

There is no doubt; days at the beach await.  The sun is going to shine.  The stars will be brightening up the night skies.  I have time to wash a bit of NYC off my skin.  I’ve got lots of reading to catch up on.  And who knows - maybe I’ll even get a bit of writing done!

Hope springs eternal.  Why, look at my album cover of the same name; I believe that pic was taken on a September afternoon several years ago…

Everyone here at michaelaba.com wishes you all a Happy, Sunny and Joyous Summer!

Try to never wish these beautiful and magical days away!!