Even though I no longer have kids in our local school system, it really doesn't feel like summer to me until school's out. Maybe I have just enough friends who are employed by the school system that can't "come out to play" until school is done...I don't know! In any event, school is finally out and I finally had some free time to change out some "spring" decor and "summerize" the house. Isn't it strange how you often hear about "winterizing" your home or boat or cabin...but not "summerizing"?

My summer to do list...just realized four of the seven items have to do with food...hmmmm.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I love the sea so summer always makes me think about the shore and seashells. Shells fascinate me...there are so many varieties...and their colors are such a beautiful blend of neutral tones and coral and pink. I have quite a collection from years of bringing home treasures I have found on vacations...and I will admit I have purchased several as well. I like to place them around the house...looking at them just takes me mentally to a happy place...where the waves are rolling in, the sun is shining, the seagulls are squawking...get the picture?

I also like to incorporate a little red and blue for the upcoming Fourth of July...a highlight of the summer for me. I hold out on placing flags out until July 1, however. I do change out most of my pillows and lighten things up a bit. That's the beauty of the seasons...in the fall and winter, I welcome wool and fleece...in spring and summer, I welcome the look and feel of cotton and linen.