The Labor Day weekend signals the "unofficial" end of summer here in Wisconsin, land of the short growing season and extreme weather changes, so, it's not a holiday that I particularly look forward to. Summer is my favorite time of year and I would be more than happy to enjoy warm sunshine and year-round gardening. I already notice the shorter days. After supper dishes are done, there isn't much daylight left to enjoy time in the garden. For every other holiday throughout the year, I am ecstatic and love to decorate my house and front yard for the season, prepare special foods and host festivities, gathering with family and friends to celebrate. Labor Day is very low key, although there are a few traditions that I try to keep each year, the Walworth County fair, our annual downtown Labor Day parade and gathering with family to grill outdoors and eat our favorite summer foods.

Soon, there won't be the opportunities to enjoy these outdoor pursuits, the balmy breezes of summer will soon turn to the crisp winds of autumn. I intend to savor every last bit of warm, summer weather...it has to sustain me through the long, cold months ahead.