It’s September… So far it has been warmer in these last days than this summer, so even if our routine has set into it’s comfortable habits, we’re still enjoying bits of summer. Pretending Autumn is not coming soon. Yes, we’re back into our school year routine, that means I’m back to my day job and to my organized self. Lunches, meals and groceries planned. Schedule filled and posted on the fridge. Work projects already lined-up and notebook pages full of ideas. Hockey and volleyball schedules taking what little time left I have. Crazy! But fun!

How did that happen? School starts in a week.  Every year I’m faced with the realization that summer went by and I want to hold on to it as much as I can.  It can’t be real?  Autumn will be here before we even had a summer.  I’m still longing for warm lazy days.

The crappy weather of the last weeks left me with a darn summer cold which turned into a sinus infection.  Summer colds are nasty.  You should be out lounging by the pool in your swimsuit when instead you’re sneezing and coughing wrapped in a blanket.  In August!  What a frustrating thing a summer cold is!

One of the things I love the most about summer is going to the farmer’s market.  We are lucky to have a beautiful and big market close-by in Montreal, in the heart of the Little Italy district, it makes for a perfect outing.  Food, coffee, cannolis, it can’t get any better!  Of course there are many smaller markets you can enjoy too, but this one is a landmark.  The abundance of fresh, local fruits and veggies offered at the market is overwhelming.  So many to choose from and we couldn’t possibly eat all we’re craving for.  Prices are much cheaper than the same products bought from the supermarket, and you get local produce, which is still something we need to fight for if we want local produce in the supermarket stands. They tend to go for mass imported produce.

Our family vacation this summer started with a trip to Cuba.  Could be worse, really.  I’ve always loved Cuba.  Love the place, love the people.  Of course, the white sand beaches, turquoise sea and bright sun makes it a perfect destination too.
Our vacation was spent on the resort, which doesn’t give you a taste of what Cuba is really about but makes for great family time.  I thought the kids were still a bit too young to go out under the 45C sun all day discovering the city without whining.  That was the choice I made this time, but the next time, I’ll make sure to immerse the kids in the real Cuba.  If you’re going without kids there are plenty of day trips and outings you can plan.

What does summer taste like to you?  If you close your eyes and imagine yourself bathed in sunshine, a warm breeze messing your hair, and with your feet in water, what would be the best thing to go with it? I think of cherries.  And strawberries, warm from the sun, freshly picked in the garden.  I think of rosé too.  Or mojito.  Yes, mint and lime… Everything seems to taste better in the sunlight.  The more summer goes on, its taste changes.  There’s ripe tomatoes, corn on the cob and basil.  Blueberries and blackberries. My mind gets carried away with all the thoughts of fresh food I can enjoy in the summer.  I’ve always preferred fresh dishes over roasts, soups or stews, the more autumnal or wintery dishes.  What food is your favorite, and what does the season taste like to you?  Do tell.