We were out of milk. Again. My children must think I have a cow living in our backyard because they guzzle the stuff faster than our imaginary cow can produce it. So I headed to the store. Again. But this time I welcomed the trip because it was homework time and my girls turn into creatures that I am sure never lived inside my womb for 9 months when it’s time to do homework. I can’t blame them. I hate doing it too. Hence the reason I was blissfully running out the door for a milk emergency. No one has to know that I take the long way to the store and back. A trip that is normally a straight shot and less than a mile from my house often turns into 5 miles of peace and quiet circling the neighborhood. Who am I kidding? I crank up the music and get lost in the lyrics every time. It’s never quiet! At least it’s my noise and not whatever is being fabricated from the people who live with me.  God love ’em.

So I head to the dairy section while humming the latest tune crammed in my head and oblivious to the assault about the take place on my emotions. I reached for the gallon of milk so perfectly placed on the shelf. Now, I don’t know about you, but I always make sure I am reaching for the most fresh gallon available. I’m not all about organic or hormone free. I just need something to put on my cereal, but I want it to be fresh. There I was scanning the sell-by dates stamped on the carton and I didn’t even see it coming. I didn’t even have time to duck.

September 3rd? September?? Y’all, that’s not ok. There is no reason why Summer should be pushed out by a gallon of milk! I panicked, unsure of what to do next. Should I put the Fall milk into my basket and accept the fact that Summer is dying and there is nothing I can do about it, or do I look for another container wearing an August date like a badge of honor? I weighed those options while pretending that the up-hevel I was experiencing in my mind wasn’t actually happening. I scanned the shelves desperate for any indication that Summer was going to last forever this year, but my efforts returned to me in vain. I picked up my Fall milk and placed it in my basket with a heavy heart for all that I was losing.

Long hot days. Lazy breezes. The rhythm of the cicadas. Catching lightning bugs. Popsicles. Bare feet. Dinner’s on the patio.

My list is endless. Which is not something I can say for poor sweet Summer. I will miss her.

I do try to find the good in every situation, but it isn’t always easy. This time I didn’t have to look far though. September 3rd is only 2 days away from the Crimson Tide’s kick-off for the 2015 season. So, if I must bid farewell to my favorite season at least I can do it with a ROLL TIDE!