The A to Z of Summer joys!

Ah! Summer, it feels like it's almost over with Ellie going back to college next week. We have had a good summer, plenty of sunshine and hot days even though I have complained a lot about the heat. As much as I have complained I will be sad to see the end of the season. 

Everything feels brighter, lighter and just a little bit more joyful in the summer so I have put together my personal A to Z list of summer joys!

A is for Alfresco dining!

Summer is made for eating outside. Eating outside. A BBQ, a picnic in the park or lunch at a cafe or dinner in the pub's beer garden. Food somehow tastes better when sat outside in the sunshine!

B is for Beach!

I love a trip to the beach especially in the summer as long as I don't have to go onto the sand, it gets everywhere. Hearing the sound of waves crashing and feeling the salty breeze on my face is just heaven! The kids used to love a trip to the beach when they were younger. Building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, exploring the rockpools, fish and chips wrapped in paper and playing in the arcades!

C is for Cold showers!

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing jolt of a cold shower on a hot summers day. We lived here for a few years without one and I don't know how we managed in the warmer months without it! I have loved having a cold shower after spending time in the garden.

D is for Day trips

Summer is perfect for adventures and day trips are a fantastic way to explore without too much planning. I actually prefer a day trip to a proper holiday. 

E is for Evening light!

I love those summer evenings, they seem to last forever. When the light softens and everything glows just before the sun starts setting. The world feels peaceful.

F is for Fresh fruit!

Summer is the season of juicy, ripe fruit. Strawberries, watermelon, raspberries and cherries are out favourites. Fresh fruit feels like a treat that’s good for you too!

G is for Gardening!

Summer is the time when everything seems to come to life and all the effort in the spring planting seems worthwhile. I love my garden. Watching seedlings grow into vibrant flowers or tasty vegetables is so rewarding!

H is for Holidays!

Holidays are a huge part of summer. There is of course the break from school and college, the chance to break free from routines, sleep in, eat ice cream for breakfast and fill your days with what you love. A bonus is of course a proper holiday even if it is only a few days. 

I is for Ice Cream!

Summer and ice cream go together like sun and sea. The classic vanilla, fruity sorbets or indulgent chocolate fudge. A real treat is one from the ice cream man but during the summer months I always have some in the freezer.

J is for Juice boxes!

These are a nostalgic thing for me. I always remember my mam getting them to take on day trips in the summer and I do the same now. They are so handy, just enough to quench your thirst, not too much to waste and light enough to carry around.

K is for Kids playing!

Barefoot in the grass, chalk drawings on the pavement, water balloons flying through the air. The sound of kids laughing and playing outside is one of the loveliest sounds of the of summer. I miss my girls being little.

L is for Lazy mornings!

Summer gives us the chance to slow down. No early starts or frosty mornings. We can wake up when our body is ready, sip a cuppa in your dressing gown and there is just a slower pace.

M is for Melon!

Nothing says summer quite like juicy, sweet melon slices. Watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew I am not fussy, I like them all! It is such a refreshing snack for hot days!

N is for Nectar from flowers!

The bees and butterflies have loved my garden over the summer months. All gathering nectar. Watching these tiny visitors flit from flower to flower is calming and so amazing to watch. 

O is for Outdoor games!

From classic croquet and frisbee to giant Jenga and Swingball outdoor games bring laughter and plenty of fun. We have had them all over the years and Swingball will always be our favourite.

P is for Picnics!

Packing a basket with sandwiches, snacks and treats then spreading out a blanket on the grass feels like the perfect summer day. Even just grabbing a meal deal from the supermarket and sitting outside feels like something special.

Q is for Quiet moments!

Summer is busy so it is nice to have those quiet moments. Early mornings with a cup of tea, sitting under a shady tree people watching or just looking at the clouds drift by.

R is for Road trips!

Packing up the car and hitting the road with no fixed plan is a true summer adventure. I especially like going off with my dad when he goes on an adventure, I never know where we'll end up.

S is for Stargazing!

Summer nights offer clear skies and warm air perfect conditions for lying back and watching the stars twinkle overhead.

T is for Thunderstorms!

I know, I know thunderstorms aren’t everyone’s idea of a summer joy, personally I can't stand them. I always get a headache and the thunder scares me but it does often mean that the air will be less heavy and it will feel less sticky and hot afterwards.

U is for Unplugging from screens!

I have definitely spent less time in front of a screen over the summer with the warmer weather and being able to get outside more. I have all winter to sit in front of a screen!

V is for Vino!

Summer and a chilled glass of vino and there's nothing better than sitting drinking it in the pubs beer garden. I love a fruity rose. 

W is for Water fights!

Nothing beats the sheer, silly fun of a spontaneous water fight on a hot summer day. Whether with water balloons, squirt guns or garden hoses. I still have some water balloons in the cupboard that the girls keep forgetting about.

X is for eXtra time outdoors!

I had to stretch a bit for X! Longer daylight hours in summer mean more time to get outside. Evening walks, sitting in the garden and just staying out longer.

Y is for Yellow!

Yellow is the colour of summer! Sunshine, happiness and energy! Bright sunflowers, lemonade sun dresses, butterflies and of course the sun's glow!

Z is for Zzzs in the Sun!

The ultimate summer joy: a lazy, dreamy nap in the sunshine.

What are your favourite joys of the summer?