My Summer Bucket List by Amy Vastine

Since I work as a school social worker, summer tends to be my favorite time of year. So much to do, so much to see. I get to stay up late without paying for it the next day. This doesn’t mean my days aren’t filled with activity (three kids, two dogs make that impossible!) but I definitely have more time to do the things I want not just the things I have to do. My oldest also graduated from high school last month, which means I plan to make the most of this summer before I cry my eyes out at Clemson drop off in August. A summer bucket list seemed like the best way to make sure I get all the things I want accomplished done before it’s time to go back to school. Here’s what I’ve come up with …

1. Swim in a lake - We have a lovely lake house up in Wisconsin that we plan to visit this fourth of July. It has been in my family since before I was born and I have so many wonderful memories of summer days spent hanging out on the lake. The best part is I got to relive all my favorite childhood memories with my own kids boating, swimming, tubing, making s'mores ... so much fun. They can’t wait to get up there either!



2. Go to a drive-in movie - There’s something about watching a movie on the big screen from the comfort of the back of your SUV! Even though many of them have closed, we luckily have one a few miles from our house. You can bring your own snacks, see two movies for the price of one, and watch a show under the stars! It makes for a great family night.



 3. Go to a farmer’s market - Last year my daughter and I discovered an amazing farmer’s market up in Milwaukee and I can’t wait to go back. I love buying fresh vegetables and picking up something sweet to snack on while we walk around! Last year, we had the most scrumptious peach pie.



4. Eat corn on the cob - Being from the midwest, I know all about corn on the cob. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying that biting into that sweet, crunchy, salty, buttery deliciousness. Maybe I’ll find some at the farmer’s market!




5. Hike a mountain - This might have been difficult any other summer, but this July, I will be in Denver for the National RWA Conference! I’ll be spending a few extra days out there with my writing BFF Carol and we’re planning to hike the heck out of some mountains. Thankfully, they’ve got a few!


 What’s on your summer bucket list? Maybe I'll add it to mine!


For more about Carol please visit her website: Carol Ross
For more about Amy please visit her website: Amy Vastine

Comments

  1. What a great bucket list! Corn on the cob! Yum! Here in Arizona, they grill it, then instead of butter, they put mayo, lime juice, chili pepper and Cotji cheese on it. When I first moved here, I thought that was a terrible idea. Good sweet corn needs butter and salt. Period. But it's actually very good!

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    1. I've never heard of fixing corn on the cob that way, but I'm going to try it! What kind of chili pepper - powdered or fresh?

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    2. Interesting! I will have to try it, but I know I love me some buttered, salty corn. So bad for me but so good!!

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  2. I’m in awe of this summer agenda, Amy, especially hiking during the RWA! The best part of the summer for me is having the ‘kids’ come to the cottage where I can make their fave childhood treats and meals - with corn on the cob. Happy summer!

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    1. Sounds like a perfect summer vacation! We love roasting marshmallows and eating watermelon, too.

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  3. Can't wait to see you and Carol in Denver! Since it's already 110 degrees here in the Phoenix area, my bucket list is to get out of town and go somewhere cooler. That'll be Denver :)

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    1. Whoa, sounds HOT, Cathy! Denver will definitely be a reprieve from all that heat. Looking forward to catching up :)

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  4. Like Cathy, as Tucson is almost as hot as Phoenix this year, my summer list is to stay inside and read. So I hope Heartwarming sends my new books soon. I've been reading non fiction and am tired of it. Your summer definitely sounds like more fun.

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    1. That's the thing about Arizona - great winters, hot summers! Enjoy your air-conditioning and let's find you some good reads! Carol's Blackwell Brothers book comes out in August. It's the first in the five part series written by Carol, Cari, Mel, Anna, and I. We are super excited!!

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  5. All of it sounds excellent--and enjoy your WI trip--anything north of Green Bay is referred to as "up north" around here, and people are always heading up north for weekends and holidays. When I first moved here, it took me a while to catch on to what that meant. Corn on the cob, definitely a Midwest summer staple! Have fun with the kids and the dogs!

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    1. Thanks, Virginia. We live just south of the Wisconsin/Illinois border, so we get "up north" quite often! Enjoy your summer as well :)

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  6. I love the idea of a drive-in movie. From the freeway, I've seen one that's defunct and now being used for RV storage. For my summer I'm looking forward to some good friends visiting, canning and freezing, good corn on the cob, some long walks, a few trips to the beach, going to a few yard sales, and a lot of work at the computer, since I have a book due. Happy summer!

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    1. I love all your plans, Callie! I love walking the dogs when the weather is nice like this. They love it too!

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  7. I love this list! We still have drive-ins around here, too; unfortunately I tend to fall asleep... But it all sounds great. Enjoy that kid--next summer will be different. I sort of had the idea of making several two-or three-day-trips this summer, but haven't planned any of them yet. Have fun in Denver!

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    1. Get planning! I have so many trips this summer, it's going to be so fun but make the summer go so fast. I am not sure if that's good or not, but I am looking forward to all of them! Enjoy your summer :)

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  8. What a super summer you're going to have. I've never been to a drive-in movie. I'll have to seek one out someday. The lake house sounds awesome. I've also got plans for a farmer's market and corn on the cob. And we'll do some hiking IN the mountains, but probably not UP a mountain. I prefer the flat trails around lakes. See you in Denver!

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    1. You have to go to a drive-in at least once. It's fun! And don't feel bad about hiking in the mountains instead of up one, that's still getting out and moving! See you in Denver :)

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  9. My town does a drive-in movie during special events, and everyone floods to them. I'm coming to Denver, too. Not for the mountains. I'll be hiking the Rockies, only farther north!

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    1. Sounds fun! Looking forward to seeing you in Denver :)

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  10. Love this idea!! Can't wait to see you in Denver!

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  11. I love this summer bucket list! Aren't farmer's markets just the best? All that fresh produce that you didn't have to grow yourself right there at your fingertips. But I'm especially partial to the hiking in Denver part :)

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