Yes, it’s that time of year once again where the mercury consistently creeps near the triple digits, and everywhere across this great land of ours you can smell the scent of seared meat being cooked on both gas and the traditional charcoal grills, or as they are lovingly referred to (in the South) the Bar-B-Q- Pit. Also associated with these gatherings are the sounds of lively conversations, wine being poured in glasses, soda and beer cans being opened, and the splashing of people in water.

Summer is when we spend the most time outdoors with nature, family, friends, and those special people in our lives. You can even find at some local places of employment the Bar-B-Q-Pit being fired up in appreciation of both workers and patrons of such business. Yes, I must say that summer causes all of us to gravitate toward the outdoors and each other. When this force occurs it is always associated with food, friends, and good conversation.

When I was a child summer only meant that I had three months free of teachers, homework, and bedtimes. Now being a mature man at the age of 30 something, summer has taken on a whole new perspective for me. Summer is now a time when I eagerly await those moments when I spend time with my friends and family. We break bread amidst good food and conversation mixed with a lively atmosphere. I especially enjoy those one on one times. Perhaps sharing cigars and sipping Cognac, watching the boats go by, or sitting at a restaurant on the patio under the stars, feeling a mixed breeze from the ceiling fans and air conditioning sipping wine and sharing an exchange of ideas opinions and thoughts. Summer for me has become more than just a season to travel and seek out some cool places to relieve myself from the heat. It has become a time for reconnection and deepening the bonds of friendship and love that already exists. If you haven’t taken the time to experience these amazing feelings for yourself then I encourage you to take time out so you can. I would also encourage to truly savor these times because like summer, they’re gone in the blink of an eye.

Hey, as I always say, “Don’t Get Caught Up In The Corn Flakes” and if your not living, laughing, and enjoying where you are in life, you ain’t doing nothing at all!!!!!

Ciao!!!!!!!!!

Homer L. Randle III appears courtesy of the Sentinel Group, LLC.