Every summer needs a good ending. And since summer is about over, I’ve decided to end it well. Because my attitude stinks at the moment.

Here’s why: the weather will be in the 80s for a few more weeks, and as we get closer to Labor Day it will zoom into the 100s and hang there until mid-October. At which point I’ll be overdue for autumn and resenting the fact that I only have six weeks of fall weather until Christmas winter sets in.

I love autumn. Six weeks of autumn isn’t enough. It’s my personal resentment that autumn has been ripped off by summer. Thus my struggle with having a good attitude.

Since having a crummy attitude doesn’t make for happy relationships, I’ve decided to end summer with a positive adjustment designed around a Happy Ending Summer bucket List. On September 1st I’ll put up my autumn decor. Turn on the air conditioner. Light some pumpkin candles. And force the feel of autumn into my life.

Now, back to the positive attitude part. Here’s my plan . . . all to be done before September.

Happy Ending Summer Bucket List

1. Have the grandkids over for two days of Camp Grandma.

2. Spend more evenings hanging out with friends on the back porch.

3. Finish crocheting one overdue baby blanket. Make sure it’s big enough for the baby who is turning two years old in a few weeks. (I said it was overdue. Don’t get legalistic with me.)

4. Read one more novel. Or two novels. Maybe three.

5. Go back on my diet tomorrow. Sorta.

6. Clean out one closet so I can say that I accomplished something along the lines of Good-Housekeeping-feel-good-stuff this summer.

5. Talk that cute guy I’m living with (and married to) into taking me out to dinner in Morro Bay. Blame it on my need to escape the heat on our side of the hills.

6. Come up with a Summer Bucket List for next year—before summer starts.

7. And most importantly—enjoy the companionship of the Spirit every hour left of summer.

So there you have it folks. My little rant about the end of summer. I hope your happy ending summer bucket list is full of good things too.

Click through for The Art of Doing Nothing and Camp Grandma Tips and Ideas.

Catch you on Thursday, Susan

“Jesus likes it when we share.” -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody’s brother, but you know . . . all of your friends would be nice.