It’s not the official end of summer, but for some of us, the happy season comes to a close after the Labor Day weekend. Not much ice to be had (sigh). So instead of cleaning up my edges, I spent some time cleaning up the yard.

Man, it’s amazing how many weeds can grow while you’re paying attention to other things, like swing rolls and outside-outside edges. And how many mosquitos can bite you while you are preoccupied with pulling those weeds out. And how much ankle dorsiflexion it takes to get a good angle on those ones that are stuck in the cracks.

The good news is that there is a kind of instant gratification to be had from all that work. Hours and hours later, there are seven (count ’em, seven) lawn and leaf bags filled and I am feeling pretty virtuous, though tired.

And though it’s sad to have the summer end, I am ready for the new semester to begin–for along with it comes the new skating season! Hooray for quieter public sessions, reuniting with old skating friends, and welcoming some new ones. And let’s not forget the benefits of regular exercise in a mosquito-free environment!