Summertime---and the livin' is easy....

I like that song-Billy Stewart version--check it out....

Summertime around here has finally arrived, even though the heat hasn't really come with it ---yet.  Things are a little different than in years past, now with the kids staying away at their college towns.  In the past everything was so very hectic.  There was work of course, and there still is.  But we no longer have baseball games and practices and tournaments to go to.  Or soccer.  Or softball.  We don't have to try and figure out how to squeeze in a family vacation, how far we can go so we don't miss some other activity.  We won't worry about trying to fit in a trip to Wisconsin Dells, or if everyone can get away for a trip to the zoo.  There will be no family days at the Brewer game this year.  We won't be worrying about getting a spot for the 4th of July parade either---or wondering who we'd run into....

Now we're doing things a little bit differently around here.  I guess you could say we're a little more laid back.  Things aren't nearly as scheduled as they used to be.  The Mrs. and I are going on a little vacation.  Where to?  Who knows.  We'll figure it out as we go.  Yard work to be done?  We'll get to it when we get to it.  It seems as if we are less organized than we used to be, and I don't mind it.  If friends call, or we see something in the paper or on TV that looks interesting, not a problem, we just drop what we're doing and have a go at it.  Livin' easy.....

I miss the livin' hard.  I guess it's missing the kids being kids.  All the running around here with their friends, and their friends parents.  The parents at all the different sporting events whining about the officiating.  Having everyday of the week (seemingly) scheduled with some activity.  The weekend travels.  The family vacations.  Always something that needed to be done, and never having enough time to do it.  It was very hectic at times, but so very enjoyable---especially in hindsight. 

So now the Mrs. and I are sliding into what I call the pre retirement mode.  Doing things when we want to.  Not being so rigid with the plans.  Not worrying too much about what we have scheduled.  The kids will be home a couple of times to "visit", which will be nice.  We'll do some of the things we used to do, but it'll be different.  We'll be livin' easy.  Which ain't necessarily better.....