89 Comments
I had planned this blog to have a bunch of pictures of all my favorite things: the flowers in my yard, a big bowl of Rainier cherries, the beach near my house–all the stuff that makes summer so much fun. Excerpt there is one problem this year.
Summer has yet to arrive in Seattle.
Here was the view from my windshield on Saturday as I sat and waited for the ferry on my way to Hood Canal:
Believe it or not, there is a ferry boat arriving at the end of the dock, but it was nearly impossible to see through the fog and rain until you drove right up to the end of the dock. It cleared a bit by the evening and I decided to sit out on the deck and enjoy the evening–but I had to fetch a blanket so I didn’t freeze out there. Sigh. I went back inside and finished watching Season Three of the Lark Rise to Candleford series, or as the boys call it: One of your bitties in bonnets things. I miss my evenings of watching the stars come out . . . and when I could watch a good chick flick in peace.
But on the plus side of our miserable summer–when we go swimming, the pool feels warmer and it has yet to be crowded. LOL!
So, today’s blog question and contest is: What is your favorite thing about summer?
Prize: Well, since no one claimed the prize box of books (people, you have to check back and send me your address!!!), I am going to offer that up again. Really a cool box of mostly autographed historical romances. If no one claims this, it may just go on vacation with me. Or worse, my mother and aunt are going to spot it in my office and claim it.
This is how you enter for a chance to win:
1) Leave a comment below. If you are reading this on Facebook, you can only enter at my actual blog. http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=1302. Facebook does not allow contests via their site.
and/or
2) Tweet the following: @ElizBoyle hopes one of you can take home this box of books. http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=1302
Do both and you are entered twice! I’ll give you all until midnight, PT, Saturday, July 23rd to get your entries in.
Make sure to check back here Monday July 25th to find out if you won.
Last week’s winner: Emily T, blog commenter #19, you’ve won the box of mixed books from RWA. Please email me your address before Monday, July 25th, to collect your prize.
July 18th, 2011 at 5:02 am · Link
my favourite thing about summer must be getting to spend time by and in the sea and watching the sun glint of the sea making it look so pretty and magical, like its a completly different sea to the one we have in the winter a completly brand new one which sparkles, makes me happy 😀
July 18th, 2011 at 5:51 am · Link
Summer, well, not much… okay, I’m not fond of the weather at times, but sure love baseball! 🙂
Lois
July 18th, 2011 at 7:45 am · Link
I like the longer days of summer and spending time at the beach. And BBQ’s and pool parties. I love summer, but actually my favorite season is Fall, so I also love the end of summer knowing that Fall is on it’s way. 🙂
July 18th, 2011 at 11:16 am · Link
I’ve always loved Fall best!
July 18th, 2011 at 7:53 am · Link
My favorite thing about summer is being able to read all the time!
July 18th, 2011 at 7:58 am · Link
My favorite favorite thing of summer is NO MORE COLD! I am really not fond of cold weather, really as in really! There is just so much about summer that I love, visiting with friend in the evenings without losing a couple of toes due to frostbite, and we can do said visiting outside, gardening and sitting in a lounger next to the pool with a great book!
Thanks for another chance at this great give away!!
July 18th, 2011 at 8:00 am · Link
I feel your pain. I’m originally from GA but live in Ohio, and summer comes sooooo late here in the Midwest! We still had temps in the 40s in May this year, which is just ridiculous. Of course, now it’s almost 90, so I’m definitely better off than Seattle!
July 18th, 2011 at 8:00 am · Link
Hi Elizabeth,
I absolutely LOVED Lord Langley! It is fun to read about a hero who is a few years older than the typical 20-30 something who exhibits such a zest for life.
Thank you for including the family tree. Just enough time has passed between books that I needed the refresher. I must have flipped back to that page at least 4 or 5 times. lol
BTW: I keep checking your website for a link to Amazon so I can put Along Came a Duke on my Wish List just as soon as it is announced. Woo hoo–can’t wait!
Now, here’s hoping I win a box of fabulous historical romance novels…! *fingers crossed*
Laura T
heartoftexasbooks[at]yahoo.com
July 18th, 2011 at 8:09 am · Link
No ice and snow! I can go out without coat, boots, survival pack! I just feel so free in the summer!
July 18th, 2011 at 11:17 am · Link
LOL!!!
July 18th, 2011 at 8:48 am · Link
Summer has been slow to come on the west coast, huh? 🙁 What I love about summer is ice cream…all the ice cream you can possibly eat!
Tweeted here.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:18 am · Link
I do like ice cream–though usually only in the summer. Thanks for the tweet!
July 18th, 2011 at 10:04 am · Link
Waitng for summer to arrive in the Pacific Northwest .
I am traveling the next couple of weeks. I am hoping Internet access willbe available so I can check to see if I have won.
I don’t think I will find summer where I am headed – it is raining where I am headed.
July 18th, 2011 at 11:20 am · Link
We here in NC always have too much of summer for my tastes. It’s always super hot and super humid. Not the best of mixes. I love it for going to the beach, for gorgeous day ride road trips, and more time with my children but that’s about it. I’m more of a Fall/Winter/Spring kinda person. I think I’d fit right in in Seattle!
July 18th, 2011 at 12:25 pm · Link
I love the summer blockbusters(looking forward to Captain America and Cowboys and Aliens) and since school is out the trains and buses are less crowded and there’s a chance for a seat during the commute.
July 18th, 2011 at 1:44 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is warmer weather and all the flowers in bloom.
July 18th, 2011 at 4:45 pm · Link
I’d take your cooler weather over the extreme heat warnings that we’re getting here in South Dakota this week. The box of books would be perfect for me to take with me on my trip to paris and london in september.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:37 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is spending time with the kids, catching up on reading, just plain old lazy time!
July 18th, 2011 at 6:40 pm · Link
My favorite thing I like about summer is when its over! LOL I love the spring or fall because there are less bugs out. It seems to me the flies are huge this year. *shrugs shoulders*
July 18th, 2011 at 6:43 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is that I don’t have to be a full-time student while working part-time. I don’t have to worry about school and just concentrate on work to pay bills, and also have some free time. And for those free time, I use every single one of them for my romance series. Hehehe Therefore right after work I go straight into my readings, which I love so much! (o^_^o)
July 18th, 2011 at 6:45 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is the constellations visible with my telescope! I know i know, nerd alert…but i love it! Also not freezing my butt off at 4 in the morning out in a field is a bonus, though there is the little complication of bugs…and snakes…
July 18th, 2011 at 6:46 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is my birthday and the weather. I love a good summer storm!
July 18th, 2011 at 6:46 pm · Link
Pool parties. Sleeping in. Vacations. Visiting all of our family who are all out of state. Spending time with the kids. What’s not to love? OK, the 104 degree south TX heat with nary a rain drop in sight totally stinks. But that’s where the pool parties come in 😉
July 18th, 2011 at 6:48 pm · Link
Summer tomatoes. Right from the backyard, warm from the sun, perfectly sweet and juicy. Maybe chopped in a bowl with just fsome fresh black pepper, or in a salt, or in the best BLTs of the year. Makes all the hot weather worth it.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:48 pm · Link
My favorite thing is playing outside with my kids weathers its chalk drawings, t-ball or swimming in the kiddie pool, its all fun!
July 18th, 2011 at 6:49 pm · Link
The best thing I love about summer is…
That my kids have no school! It means I can sleep in, write till my heart’s content. And, have the kids play games with hubby most of the day. It’s so awesome!
I have written so much this summer it’s so great. And, I have read a few books.
The new one from Julia Quinn: Just like heaven.
And, of course Lord Langley is back in town. Loved both.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:50 pm · Link
Here in Idaho summer has just arrived. I love to see all the beautiful flowers in the yards. It nice to just set, relax and soak up the sun shine because it won’t last for long. Winter always seems to come back.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:50 pm · Link
I cannot say that I don’t like Summer but I cannot say that I Love it ether, I do like to have my four seasons. Since I was born and raised here in Colorado, I need my four seasons. My hubby was in the AF so when we got married we lived in Las Vegas for 3 years like that because there where no bugs in the summer, even tough it was super hot but not humid. Lived in Alaska, But got very tried of the snow, Love the snow but not that much. HA HA Then we lived in FL panhandle HATED it with a passion. Don’t mean to offend anyone but I did not like summers there, to Humid and to many BUGS. So you can say I love my Colorado summers and every other season that we have.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:51 pm · Link
My favorite thing about Summer? Knowing that Fall is on it’s way. I’m not a hot weather fan and in SC, that’s all we have in the Summer.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:51 pm · Link
My favorite thing about the summer is the warmer weather and more daylight.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:54 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is being able to go to the beach on vacation- but not this year as I have a new job. And getting a tan- bought a season pass at the local pool and got halfway through Lord Langley on Sunday.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:59 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is…it isn’t winter..BRRRRR!
July 18th, 2011 at 7:01 pm · Link
My favorite thing about Summer is having my children home to keep me on my toes 🙂 & new summer releases of my favorite romance authors latest!
July 18th, 2011 at 7:06 pm · Link
Summer is all about the fresh fruits and veggies at the farmer’s market. Yummy! I would extol the virtues of going to the beach but that’s a cold, cloudy, and windy experience here in NorCal.
July 18th, 2011 at 7:22 pm · Link
Not having to wear shoes! My feet and legs get really hot and ache due to nerve damage so bad that at times during the winter, I seriously consider walking around my yard without shoes…when we have alot of snow.
Btw, Elizabeth, you could just send those books to me….just an idea. LOL
July 18th, 2011 at 7:24 pm · Link
I love Jersey Tomatoes, fresh corn, BBQ’s, staying light later, no snow to shovel.
July 18th, 2011 at 7:25 pm · Link
Hey! No need to take those books with you – I’m ready and willing to take them off your hands!
Being a student, my favorite thing about summer is having the time to read! During the school year I never have time to read and I love being able to dedicate myself to reading and blogging during the summer!
July 18th, 2011 at 7:27 pm · Link
I like the fact that my kids can acutally get out and play outside. Also all the awesome pictures I can take of them in the sun with green grass in the background. Or even the lake. I love to take all the pictures I can of my little ones. In the winter time they dont want to go out because it is too cold. I dont blame them. B-)
thanks for the contest.
I really like all you books. Thank you.
July 18th, 2011 at 7:33 pm · Link
I tweeted it: http://twitter.com/#!/JuneAnnM/status/93144929257267201
July 18th, 2011 at 7:47 pm · Link
I live in southern Georgia and I love wearing shorts, sundresses and sandals. Going outside and not having to bundle up.
I love the colors of summer. Blue skies, green grass ad beautiful trees.
The flowers, the wild animals that live in the country and butterfly’s are all over the place.
I love the longer days. I can get so much more accomplished in the summer time.
July 18th, 2011 at 7:48 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is it isn’t winter! I HATE being cold, and there is nothing cold about the summer in southern Indiana!
I also tweeted this (moonprincess111) just for you…well hopefully for me too! LOL
July 18th, 2011 at 8:01 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is sitting by the pool or at the beach and reading my favorite books. I love being able to spend the long days outside. Even when it storms I can sit in my screened in porch and watch it. I live in Michigan so we have three great seasons, the fourth (winter), I dont like so much, to cold.
July 18th, 2011 at 8:04 pm · Link
sitting out on the back porch on a nice day (not too hot & humid) enjoying a good book while the neighborhood youngsters, birds & such provide the background “music” followed by a nice dinner off the grill and a movie playing on the laptop at the “sit-in back porch theater” after dark.
July 18th, 2011 at 8:08 pm · Link
My favorite things about summer is being able to enjoy the outdoors. I love going to the mountains and just enjoy nature itself. I really miss Yosemite and the Sierra Nevedas since leaving California. I also love going to the beach and walking in the surf, looking in the tide pools and exploring the life within them. And it’s relaxing just to be able to chill out by the pool or on the beach and read a good book
July 18th, 2011 at 8:09 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer is the smell of a fresh mown lawn. ( As long as I am not the one that had to mow it!) Just something about that smell that makes me happy.
July 18th, 2011 at 8:13 pm · Link
my favorite thing about Summer is Swimming in pools . and, relaxing in the a/c . lol 🙂
July 18th, 2011 at 8:16 pm · Link
My favorite things about summer is spending time with my guys, the smell of freshly cut grass and hot coals burning on the grill…the smell of a storm coming in or the salty smell of the oceans spray on a hot sunny day at the beach or sitting on the front porch with the love of my life watching our son try and catch fireflys as the sun goes down. It is the best time of the year because of all the wonderful memories that are made!!
July 18th, 2011 at 8:20 pm · Link
would love a box of books to read while I stay out of the heat. Reading is one of my favorite things
July 18th, 2011 at 8:43 pm · Link
My favorite summer thing is watching my children chase fireflies all around the yard.
July 19th, 2011 at 2:10 pm · Link
I have never seen a firefly! I am so jealous.
July 18th, 2011 at 9:16 pm · Link
Yay for more books!! Thank you for the chance
July 18th, 2011 at 9:17 pm · Link
I love to check out the local farmers’ markets. They are great places to find new produce!!
July 18th, 2011 at 9:21 pm · Link
What I love about summer: being able to do stuff outside (I live in cold winter climate), clear skies, farmer’s markets, everyone’s in better moods, road trips on weekends. And thanks for sharing your books with us!
July 18th, 2011 at 9:45 pm · Link
My favorite summer things are the fruits and vegetables, and trade winds.
July 18th, 2011 at 10:12 pm · Link
You can take some of my summer sun and heat for some rain – here in southern Ontario we’ve been having over 30C/86days for about a week now (that’s before humidity is factored in which makes it about 40C/104F), and it’s expected to continue for another week or so. All the grass in the neighbourhood is crispy and golden.
My favorite thing about summer is having picnics in the park…sadly it’s too hot to do that now.
July 19th, 2011 at 12:05 am · Link
I live in the sunny tropics so don’t get the whole 4 seasons thing; it’s summer all year round!
& yes that does mean I get to read all year round too 🙂
It’s always a good time to do some serious reading
July 19th, 2011 at 1:32 am · Link
Summer is late to arrive in The Netherlands too… But I’m sure it will arrive, someday 😉
What I love about the summer is: not having to worry what the kids are wearing (or are not wearing…), firing up the BBQ, eating fresh vegetables from the mini-garden from the kids, all the birthdayparties (so many in the summer!) and the school summer break, because it means you don’t have to live by schooltimes!
July 19th, 2011 at 2:31 am · Link
My favorite thing every summer is…
Vitisting with family, we rent a girl scouts campground for the weekend, just my family. Everyone helps pay, and then we have our own family games like cook-offs, and scavenger hunts! It really is great =D
July 19th, 2011 at 5:08 am · Link
Ah, Summer, how do I love thee… I am an elementary school teacher, so summer is heaven for me. I love warm weather, flip flops, sun dresses, lazy days of nothing to do but read, waking up on a Tuesday morning and deciding to take off for an unknown destination, drinking with friends on a patio. This list could go on for days.
July 19th, 2011 at 6:40 am · Link
My favorite thing about summer is the heat. I’m a warm (OK…in NC, very warm) weather girl. Of course, I stay inside in the A/C through most of the high heat of the day!
What? Someone didn’t claim their prize? Not me…if there’s a prize involved…I’ll be back to see if I’m the lucky one! LOL
July 19th, 2011 at 6:47 am · Link
My favorite thing about summer is swimming. I live in Houston, and it is HOT!!! All that Seattle rain would drive me nuts. I loved “Lark Rise to Candleford”!(It ends abruptly though.)
July 19th, 2011 at 7:04 am · Link
I’m a teacher so you know I love summer! Extra time to read, quilt and spoil my grandsons!
July 19th, 2011 at 1:10 pm · Link
One of my favorite things about summer is how the sun goes down so late. It’s like mother nature knows how precious the beautiful weather is so she gives us a few extra hours of it each day. 🙂
Also, iced tea. I LOVE iced tea, a good book, and Sunday summer afternoons.
July 19th, 2011 at 5:04 pm · Link
Fav of summer: iced cold beer while sitting in our sunroom watching our boys playing in the sprinkler
July 19th, 2011 at 5:20 pm · Link
my favorite thing about summer is the freedom the warm weather gives me and my family! I spend most of my days swimming,biking,walking, and relaxing on my deck with a great romance book
July 19th, 2011 at 5:32 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer besides being outdoors is when the kids go back to school!!!! lol
July 19th, 2011 at 7:25 pm · Link
My favorite things regarding summer are eating strawberries and cantaloupe, watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 with my friends, and traveling to see the beautiful world we live in and meet the funny and charming people in it. Too corny?
July 19th, 2011 at 7:38 pm · Link
My favourite thing about summer, is the smell of grass. I live in the country, and the smell of warm grass and the sound of beez buzzing through the air (although i try no to think about that too closely, since i’m morbidly afraid of insects) Always tell me that summer has arrived
July 19th, 2011 at 10:12 pm · Link
What I love best about summer is the weather. The sun shining, and sometimes making it so hot that I have the perfect excuse to sit around and eat ice cream, or sit around reading good books. 🙂 (Or both!) lol.
July 20th, 2011 at 4:02 am · Link
mine is very simple my kids dont have so much running to do for what ever reason once school lets out for the summer so does alot of extra running around only soccer and only 3 days a week instead of 5 i love it i feel like i can slow done for a few months
July 20th, 2011 at 3:21 pm · Link
Favorite thing about summer is Baseball, going to the pool/beach and not acutually swimming but READING,concerts in the park and being spontaneouswith out door activities because the weather is always perfect!
July 20th, 2011 at 7:30 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summer…no SNOW or ICE on the roads!
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:02 pm · Link
My favorite thing to do is going camping with my grandsons. They are very active 4 year old twins.
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:06 pm · Link
Iknow I posted before about spending time with kids, but I also enjoy floating on the water. It is so relaxing for me. 🙂
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:08 pm · Link
my favorite thing about summer is spending time with my kids in the pool—- eating watermelon and ice cream
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:12 pm · Link
Great web liz..well in Kenya we dont have the seasons but am sure if we could be having them then i would spend my summer reading lots of novels and writting poems..
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:13 pm · Link
Great web liz..well in Kenya we dont have the seasons but am sure if we could be having them then i would spend my summer reading lots of novels and writting poems..my mum is also called Elizabeth..
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:19 pm · Link
My favorite thing about summers is the sheer joy of being lazy when it is hot out, which gives me the perfect excuse to read – when my three children let me. 🙂
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:25 pm · Link
Nifty drizzly weather you’re having
-Make you a deal;send some rain down here to Sacramento and we’ll send up some sun and heat!
The weather’s been so wonky all over that my garden got a late start; then fried in the heat… dang. I lve the BBQ and fresh fruits and flowers and taking my son swimming. Oh and the comfortimg buzzy hum of a fan on a warm summer night; leaning back against cool, crisp pillows and reading a good book.
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:32 pm · Link
Summer, love the longer days…I get to finally see the sun! The delicious fruit in season and the gorgeous weather. Hoorray for summer!
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:42 pm · Link
the longer days, being to open the windows & enjoy the fresh air (when not in the middle of a heat wave like now — then I LUV A/C), fresh fruit/veg from the farmers market. good food on the grill
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:47 pm · Link
Honestly, summer is my least favorite season. I am not very heat tollerant and it’s currently 101 degrees in Philadelphia with a heat index of about 110! But I do enjoy the longer daylight hours. That and fireflies. LOVE fireflies! =D
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:47 pm · Link
All the yummy fresh fruit that is available and spending time outdoors with my family. I LOVE summer!!!
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:54 pm · Link
Summer came to Oklahoma City early…and I have a feeling she is going to over-stay her welcome. However, I love the change in atmosphere around my department at work during the summer months. I love to see the refreshed faces of my co-workers as they come back from a much needed break. I enjoy hearing their stories about Florida or Cancun or the wild time they had wrangling three young kids around a water park. Week after next is my turn to come back with stories. Over a dozen countries visited, but this will be my first time to step foot on the American East Coast. I am already looking forward to re-telling my Boston adventures. 🙂
July 23rd, 2011 at 3:21 pm · Link
While summer is not my favorite season I do love the tume I get to spend with my daughter outside. Charli is 3 and I know its only a matter of time before her least favorite thing to do is explore the outdoors with her mom.
July 23rd, 2011 at 3:43 pm · Link
Top 5 favorite things 1.Backyard BBQ’s, 2.being able to sleep in ’cause the kids are out of school, 3.family vaca, 4.longer days 5. (Last but not least) I work all the time so I absolutely love being able to come home on breaks and see my kids! Can’t do that during the school year.
July 23rd, 2011 at 3:50 pm · Link
Warmth! I love the heat, the sun, and lazy days outside. Mmmm I also love camping.
July 23rd, 2011 at 10:01 pm · Link
I would take your weather in place of Madison’s 100 degree weather right about now! Summer is supposed to be warm – not the surface of the sun!
July 24th, 2011 at 6:53 am · Link
I love to swim and summer means I can swim in the lake. No chemicals to ruin my suits.