Cool weather brings calm thoughts. A breakfast at Cracker Barrel brightens the day. Good to see Ron and Ira Kaye. School. begins in August. The summer is racing by. The birds are in full-throated glory. We are happy to be in the game. ‘Serenity now,’ Frank Costanza said. It has been said that everybody is working for the weekend. Every day should be the weekend when it comes to happiness and a sense of place.

It is time to gather the school supplies. The paste, crayons, paper, and pencils. New shoes, slacks, and a shirt or two. A fresh haircut. What were we learning in the spring? Will third grade be harder than second? Will there still be milk breaks?

Eldorado is different than Sauk Village. Friends all along my street, Billy B thought of Sauk Village. Marionette Shows and badminton. Westerns and more westerns. John Wayne was a hero to little boys. He sauntered rather than walked. Pounds Hollow would be drawing to a close soon. Swimming trips were wonderful. Floating on the deep water alone without a care or concern. Is it really time for school to begin again?

Monster movies on Friday night. Catching fireflies in a bottle. No thought of books or teachers’ dirty looks. Sleep late or later. Watermelon and cantaloupe. Salt shaker in the garden. Watch Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop, or the late movie. Is it really time for school to begin?