Our local beach
I popped into Staples yesterday for some paper and noticed the Back to School signs were up. They had all the local elementary school stationery lists there too, so that you can buy everything that your child needs.
It was a not very welcome, and rather premature, reminder that summer is going to end. There was one little girl waiting in line with her mother who certainly did not seem to be enjoying this shopping trip – far too early to be thinking about school!
But there is still a lot of time and good reason to enjoy the rest of the summer. After all the weather is great, with every day seeming to be a perfect one to spend on the beach. The local beaches are popular with kids of all ages, and adults too of course.
Summer nights in July are when the skies around English Bay in Vancouver light up with our annual fireworks celebrations: the Festival of Light. If you want to get into the heart of it then head down to English Bay for Saturday’s finale. The crowds are good natured but if you prefer to watch from somewhere less packed then there are plenty of places around Vancouver where you can watch in comfort. Our favourite spots are with friends on their roof top deck!
Summer is also a good time to take in some culture. The Bard on the Beach festival showcases Shakespeare against the backdrop of Vancouver and the northshore mountains. Not a bad way to spend a balmy summer evening under the tents at Vanier Park.
Summer is certainly a great time to eat outdoors. You can picnic on the beach of course but a BBQ in the back yard is likely to be what most folks do just about every day. We most enjoy buying fresh corn on the cob and grilling it, perhaps along with other fresh veggies. And this summer we have been lucky enough to be given freshly caught salmon. Our daughter’s boyfriend is a keen fisherman and a generous one too!
I hope you find your own ways to make the most of this summer.
