By Erica

One of the absolutely best parts of summer is the lingering notion from grade school days that it is time to mix it up a bit, change pace, do at least a few things differently. For us, that means making more time for friends (and family too), catching up, making sure bonds are not broken by the pull of time. 

This summer has been no different. We have loved every minute of it. Best friends of course. Always and forever. Others who we do not see very often, but keep in touch and now get to spend some more relaxed time.  Still others where a few days every summer has become the ritual, taking the pressure off during the rest of the year to find a date. 

Though the guests are different, there are some things of course that remain constant. For my part, no matter who is visiting I feel compelled to start the conversation about what we are eating for lunch and dinner before breakfast—or, if met with too much resistance, immediately thereafter. For my husband’s, he is going to read his book and watch sports, usually simultaneously, picking his head up and adding a one-liner if something particularly noteworthy or funny strikes his fancy. 

On the other hand, and happily, the rhythm changes depending on who is here. Sometimes it’s long lazy lunches, with a bottle (or two) of rose and great conversation, a bit of a respite, then another lovely meal and then bed. Other times, it’s like a summer camp—what’s next to do? Walk on beach, kayak, paddle board, go to town, go to museum or winery in another town. Cooking/grilling, for sure. Loud 60's, 70's and 80's music (Alexa makes everyone's choice a possibility!) accompanies cocktail hour, making us acutely aware that our old moves probably aren't as sexy as (we thought) they once were. Sometimes, it’s just a good book or podcast and good conversation when the mood and thought strike. The days fly by. As one of our friends said, quoting his Dad, "I wonder what the rich people are doing." We are content. 

There really aren’t any bad guests…or at least any we know. Our friends are fun, engaging, interesting, relatively neat and definitely clean, and an absolute pleasure to be with. And an added bonus: It takes the pressure off sending holiday cards, except to those too far away for a visit.