Redeeming qualities of summertime (perhaps a lesser season, but not without virtues)

1. The sweet, honeyed scent of Russian Olive trees blooming in June

2. Watching an afternoon movie in my quiet living room, darkened by a reliable thunderstorm

3. Cool evening breeze wafting through an open window

4. Fresh mixed berries over vanilla bean ice cream

5. Chirpy mornings on my sunny patio - the perfect time/place for reading a great book

6. Spying on my kitchen herbs as they sprout and grow

7. Staying up late to catch up on an HBO series

8. Browsing fragrant, colorful fruit & vegetable stands at the local farmer's market

9. - Cold cucumber soup topped with fresh dill, tomato, and a luxurious drizzle of olive oil

- Salty corn chips paired with creamy, citrusy guacamole

- Tangy-sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pungent goat cheese

10. Pale purply-pink sunsets over the mountains, viewed best from a rooftop patio

11. The whir of lawnmowers and sharp smokiness of a charcoal grill, the jangling tune from an ice cream truck, laughter from children as they play in the street at twilight