Dear Reader:

I have always loved this quote from one of my favorite authors-Henry James…” Summer afternoon…summer afternoon; to me those words have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

I agree. Yesterday I was running an errand and suddenly found myself pulled to Hutchinson Square in downtown Summerville. (We lucked up and had a wonderful cooling downpour Monday night around 10 p.m….so yesterday everything looked so bright and cheery.)

There was a soft breeze and break in humidity. It was a day that makes one glad to just be alive.

I parked my car and strolled around the square park…there were groups of people of all ages, sharing their lunch break together on the stage beside the entrance of the Summerville gates.

Because of the much needed rain from the thunder storm the night before… everything in the square looked like it was in technicolor…including my favorite attraction…the fountain in the middle of the square.

The sun’s rays were catching the water pouring over the sides producing a rainbow effect. Glorious!

I decided I just had to get in the action…no, not go swimming in the fountain…but climb up and feel the water. A lady sitting across the fountain on a bench (with her little sleeping grandson beside her) laughed at me climbing up on the edge. She took a photo… sending it to me right there…a new friend on a sunny summer afternoon!

It was while I was touching the water that I smelled  home cooking coming from Eva’s Restaurant across the street. I called and ordered some fresh veggies and just enjoyed watching the people come and go through the square. What an addition it is to our town!

When I walked over to pick up my lunch…I was met with some sad news from one of my favorite waitresses there…she had been gone for awhile because her mother-in-law got COVID19 and unfortunately died. It had been a tough time for her entire family. This “virus” just doesn’t seem to want to stop bringing sorrow to so many families.

The “girls” had on Eva’s Restaurant masks and looked so cute… I just had to take their photos. I love that the restaurant is still an anchor downtown. They are hanging in there for which I am very thankful….Eva’s is so rich in Summerville history.

You know your town is still “small” in the sense of community…when the Public Works Art Center in downtown Summerville (newly renovated) left one of the town’s “top”secrets- ‘Frosty the Snowman’ still up in the top window…to “guard” our town with a top hat and a smile.)

Jeff and his main helper, his young teenage son, came yesterday to work on my lawn… he returned bringing my reading angel...he had a hard time getting the stripped solar panel off…but he did. I have her sitting on the deck as I type…soaking up the sun’s rays…so hopefully her light will shine tonight. We will see.

So until tomorrow…I love the garden after Jeff leaves…the smell of cut grass and the sight of manicured paths through the garden fill me with delight! It is my idea of a perfect “summer afternoon…summer afternoon.” James was right…musical, lyrical, soothing, inviting words…that seem to beckon…”Come play!”

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh having a “grand” summer afternoon.

Do yourself a favor….and spend some time at a beautiful spot that soothes the nerves…leave the world behind and take a break. “Summer afternoons” are too precious to be lost in anxiety and uncertainty…because everyone certainly deserves a peaceful place, a refuge, to go to for renewal of just “being.”