Hanging out on my deck with my friend Alison.

Can you believe July is already underway? Why does my favorite time of the year seem to go by so quickly? I don’t have the answers, but here is what I do to savor every moment:  

First, I get outside as much as I can. If you can, take a walk at lunchtime to get some fresh air and sunshine. If you can’t take a walk, pull out a chair and enjoy your lunch outside. After work, I find a bike ride or walk around the neighborhood is a great way to unwind from my day and relax into the evening. I also love spending time in my garden. For me, there is nothing more therapeutic and Zen than weeding or tending flowers and vegetables.

Karina serves the treats at La Fête de Marquette.

A few years back, I rebuilt my back deck with the tremendous help and expertise of a good friend. Now it serves as my summer dining room and a place to relax with the newspaper or the company of a good book. If I am lucky enough to have friends drop by, it’s a great spot for sharing conversation and a cold beverage.

Those of us who live on the East Side are grateful for our fabulous summer festivals.  Each month holds a special event to benefit our neighborhood. June kicks off the summer with the Waterfront Festival. There is always great free music from around the world and good food and drinks. 

My garden, a great place to unwind.

July has my favorite festival, La Fête de Marquette, which will be held Thursday, July 8, through Sunday, July 11, at the intersection of East Washington Avenue and South Dickinson Street. We will be at the festival selling our delicious sorbets, monkey tails and chocolates, of course! It’s a great chance to get out and visit with your friends and neighbors and make new friends.

In August, Orton Park is the site for the Orton Park Festival and September winds down the festival season with the mother of them all, Willy Street Fair. 

So get out and shake your bones to some great music, share a cold one with a friend, and have some good old summer fun. I’ll see you there!