By mid-August in New Hampshire, there are signs that summer is waning. A coolness is noted in the morning air. The sun slants its rays. The tomato and cucumber plants stop producing. The grass, fields, and shrubbery start to yellow.
I ignore nature’s signs and continue with full-on summer time activities through August 31st. I watch the weather report at the beginning of the week and create plans for my daughters and myself accordingly. A trip to the movies will only happen on a rainy day. The warmest days are reserved for swimming and a beach day. Once September 1st breaks, I reserve quiet time to reflect back on my favorite season and again feel the satisfaction of filling the last 10 weeks with outdoor summer time fun.
For the last few summers, I have played on an adult softball/beer drinking league. Some nights we play well, and on others, the drinking is the better of the two skills. Softball evenings have become a hallmark of summer for me. The warm outdoors, laughing with friends, reliving a childhood pastime, allow me to feel the carefree attitude of the season. I remember as a kid how long summer stretched itself out. I think I try to recapture that essence.
I wore these leggings that I made to a game, and they have been requested as part of the team uniform for next year. As per my norm, I grabbed this fabric out of the remnant bin at the store. I didn’t originally plan on making leggings with it–probably a superhero outfit for one of my girls. But my sewing room once again became crowded.
I used my favorite leggings pattern. Because it was a remnant, I could only make them into a capri style which is actually comfortable for warmer nights. My patriotic leggings are a perfect uniform for America’s pastime.
The Pink Lily Pad and Two Tadpoles 