“One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter.”  – Henry David Thoreau

Famous words from this popular American author, philosopher and naturalist. For us, they still ring as true today as they did when they were first written back in the 19^th century. Of all the seasons, it seems there’s something a little more special about summer…more promise, more magic, more wonder. Maybe, as John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John sang in Grease, it really does have something to do with those “Summer Nights”.

At no other time of year do we humans attempt to cram as much into an eight week period as we possibly can. Travelling, visiting, feasting, camping, hiking, sightseeing, renovating, getting married, graduating, celebrating, boating, swimming, gardening and barbecuing: these are just a few of the activities the average Canadian will undertake between the middle of June and the end of August.

Is it any wonder then, when the beginning of September rolls around, that we often think to ourselves, “Wow, where does the time go?” Which, of course, is usually followed by, “I’m exhausted. I could use a holiday.” The irony of all of this isn’t lost on any of us, right?

We often think of the Labour Day weekend as summer’s last hurrah, our last chance to squeeze every possible ounce of promise, magic and wonder out of these final days, whether it’s spending time with family and friends at Cottage Country or relaxing and rejuvenating in the quiet solitude of our backyards.

Yet even as the warm summer breezes begin to cool off, we still make the most of every outdoor moment that we can. We know that a change is just around the corner and we welcome whatever may come with it.

It’s our way of keeping a little bit of summer with us because it’s what helps keep us warm – even in the middle of winter.