the other thing about summertime, i forgot to mention, is that it smells so good. like jasmine -- the same jasmine that was growing by our swimming pool and now lines the walkway up to our apartment stairs. and fresh fruit, like nectarines and peaches and plums, so ripe and juicy when the knife slices through its skin. and chlorine and coconuts, although i really didn't care much for either of those lingering after my afternoon swims. and salty, sandy ocean air that drifts right past your sun-stained cheeks and through your tangled hair.

blue skies and sunshine light up the day, but when the evening fades to gray, the scent of summer remains.