Another summer spent in NYC with my daughter...

This summer is passing by under the main motto of "Stay somewhere in the shade". We came back from our European trip on June 7th and since then it was a constant struggle to keep cool. We would go to the playgrounds only if they were under the canopy of trees, venture out onto the lawns safely protected by towering oaks, play the running game when we would have to run through the sun-burning patches of sidewalk and slow down when we reach the "shady" part of it. It is mid-August outside and this summer is not coming back the same way as all of the previous ones. I already feel a tinge of nostalgic feeling for these daily walks along the same route - up the steps to the Riverside Drive, then onto our favorite spot under the welcoming giants of trees. At first I was a bit nervous and unhappy that I would not be able to put Sofusha into a day camp for the summer. I really wanted her to start connecting with a bunch of other kids, to keep exploring her humanity through association with her peers, but the cards fell differently and we had to spend each of our summer days together... I still fantasize about an occasional solitary stroll in the park, crowned by several hours of relaxed reading in the shade while drinking coffee and savoring a yummy croissant. And I actually was able to do it - in part, without the croissant factor but still (: However, no solitary walks and no fun beach outings, no joyful movie siestas and afternoon shopping sprees can compare to strolling hand-in-hand with your dearest child. It does require patience and light attitude but the rewards one reaps are immense. We would walk and pick up acorns, straws, little sticks, stones,flowers, and she would always ask me to put them into my bag as if they were some kind of treasures. Sometimes I felt like cheating and throwing them away when she was not looking but I would feel that it was not the right thing to do since for Sofusha those WERE treasures and I put them all diligently into my bag. Only the other day I emptied it out and washed it. Since the summer is on its way out... We would lounge under the lush greenery as if it were some extravagant resort for the initiated and I don`t think I would enjoy the latter more than this natural oasis of shade. We would read, paint, draw, play with our toys, soccer ball and just fool around - the memories of these happy hours will forever shine in front of me as as a glorious and radiant sunrise that keeps happening. And that is why this summer is so different from the other unbearably hot ones - this summer is unforgettable.