Summer’s my least favorite season, but that’s not to say I hate it or anything. Yeah, the 90+ degree days with heat indices of 100-115 wear on me quickly, running feels like more of a slog, and the mosquitos drive me nuts, but there’s a lot to like, too.

Like the sounds. All day long, birds, cicadas, and crickets are making themselves heard, which is especially nice if it’s a cool enough day to crack the windows. And the night sounds are so welcoming to my ears, this time of year is when I do late-night field recordings that lull me to sleep in the quiet depths of winter.

Or like the greenery. Sure it means mowing my postage stamp lawn every week, pulling copious Parthenocissus quinquefolia in the backyard, and dealing with ticks hiding in deep grass, but there’s no denying the beauty and calm that comes with greenery out your window.

Or like seeing people out and about. I’m not necessarily active outside all that much more than in the winter since I’m walking the dog and running just as much, but during the cold months they are much more lonely endeavors. Summer brings lots of dog walkers and other runners to share space with. It’s when I sit on the porch and catch neighbors walking by in the evenings. I’m an introvert, sure, but I appreciate seeing others in the community to say hi, make small talk, and pet their dogs.

Though autumn is my favorite of the seasons (I’m so basic), it also tends to bring a lot of activity, stress, and overwhelm. The slower summer days provide the necessary respite and time for contemplation before the hectic fall kicks in and flies by.