World Photography Day

Today is World Photography Day, a day when you can upload your photo and share your perspective of the world.

Of course, I didn't know about World Photography Day until about 10 minutes ago.  I had planned, instead, to blog about summer.

When you live in a northern city like I do (near Binghamton, in upstate New York), summer is like a special gift.  For a few short months, the grass is green, the trees have leaves, and the flowers bloom.

Now, the Labor Day (September 6) sales are already starting, and I just want to yell "Hey!  Summer isn't over yet!  There's a little more than a month left.  Don't rush it!"

Why do businesses always want to rush the season?  Why, I expect to see Christmas decorations in stores any minute now.

I must take action. What if I posted a top 10 list of what I love about summer?  Strange how I had already planned a post with lots of photos in it.

What about you?  Feel free to post your list in the comments.

In no particular order, here's my list:

My son tried to photograph a rainbow in this picture after a storm

10.  Summer skies and clouds.

9.  Being able to ride one of the six carousels in our Triple Cities - all, forever, free, due to a beloved businessman;

Otsiningo Park, June 2016

8.  Going to the park, and maybe even being able to watch a balloon launch.

On the High Line, July 5, 2013, New York City

7.  Ice cream trucks. And, for that matter, ice cream.

July Fest, downtown Binghamton, New York

6.  Festivals.

5.  Growing things in the warm weather, unless the weather is too hot.  Which, come to think of it, it's been this year.   But along with that, hot peppers, such as these Carolina Reaper peppers (not my son's plant, but he has several from this nursery) can really spice life up.

4.  Road trips.  Not that easy in the snowy, icy, wintertime.

Hydrangea, Binghamton, New York

3.  Taking exercise walks and being able to admire other people's flowers.

Sage 8-17-16

2.  Herbs:   Fresh herbs, and the joy of my spouse cooking with them.  Basil, parsley, sage, rosemary, mint, and more can be found in our front yard.

Our first tomato - July 9!

And the number 1 reason I love summer:

1.  FRESH TOMATOES.  For a little over a month, the fresh tomatoes are ripening, and I dream of the day of the first tomato the rest of the year.  My spouse makes a salad by combining grape tomatoes with some fresh mozzarella, adds some basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and instant heaven.

You can't do this with supermarket tomatoes, so don't even try.

Do you like summer?  If not, what is your favorite season? What is your favorite part of summer?

And do you plan to celebrate World Photography Day?