Is summer really over?

Last week I listed all the furniture we had in our backyard on Craigslist. My reasons for doing this were simple: we need the space for Brigs to play and our giant patio set took up all the available space. I had no problem selling it. Turns out there are a lot of people in this city in the market for patio sets. It didn't take me long to figure out why.

After they sold, I went looking for a new set to replace it. This time much smaller and more compact. Three stores later I realized why I had no problem selling ours - there was nothing left. Seriously...nothing! As far as I was concerned, it was the beginning of August and there was still lots of summer left. WRONG. Summer is apparently totally over, folks. Time to bring out the sweaters and socks. Say farewell to patios and fruity cocktails. It's time to nest. Inside.

I shouldn't be surprised by any of this. I was at the grocery store the other day and the Halloween candy is out. At the craft store they had Christmas stuff on the shelves. Christmas! You know, the holiday in DECEMBER. Are we really supposed to be thinking about that already? My blood pressure is on the rise just mentioning this. 

In the end I was able to find four matching chairs at a chain store (although I had to buy them at 3 different locations) and a floor model of a table that will suit our needs. The next challenge was finding an umbrella. Again, I bought a floor model. Sigh. Our garden looks completely gross but we have plans to landscape it a bit in the spring...maybe some grass...maybe a built in bench. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the summer days until the bitter end. I live in Canada, after all people. Winter is COLD. If you think I'm eager to rush into that, you're crazy.

Did you guys get the memo that summer is over? I guess I always attribute the end of summer with the start of school - the Tuesday after Labour Day here. But I've noticed from other bloggers that some of their kids start school in early to mid August. What's the deal where you live?

Enjoy the last of summer everyone. Before you know it, it'll really be over.

Image from Absolutely Beautiful Things