To borrow from the title of one of my favorite childhood books, it's been a short summer.
Some of you may recognize those words from one of the Charlie Brown books, and it couldn't be more on target here.
We've just gotten past Labor Day weekend, and we're heading into the traditionally busy fall that leads into a whole new slew of events.
High school football and volleyball are underway, while the eyes of many college football fans who will be watching the start of the season this weekend.
Our local high schools are in full gear with football and volleyball games coming up. Whether it's the Friday Night Lights or the battle at the net in volleyball, it's all a good time — even as I try to avoid getting knocked down on the court or the field.
As for myself, it has been an eventful summer.
I had plenty of enjoyment with the annual festivities here over the summer, particularly the Fourth of July events, which I consider the very best around. There's something about special about a smalltown celebration.
I had my share of traveling this summer. I saw the Pacific Northwest for the first time, and I felt a sense of culture shock.
Where else in June can a person awaken to temperatures in the upper 30s? It happens when you're less than five minutes from Mount Ranier, which still had snowcaps.
As for the cabin in the wooded area where we stayed, they must have known something about me. It was filled with classic rock albums and posters — Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zepplin. What more could I have asked for?
Seattle was an amazing city. The downtown area is bustling and vibrant, and T-Mobile Park — home of the Mariners — was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had at a ballpark. It was another mark off my "bucket list" to see every MLB ballpark in America.
For a northwestern city, the food wasn't bad. I even found Tony's Seasoning at the Safeway Supermarket.
Despite my fear of heights, I went ahead with a ride on the Space Needle, which has been in place since 1962. The scenery was exceptionally beautiful, but there was no way I would look down on the clear glass floor when I was 605 feet in the air.
One of my favorite experiences, however, was a visit to Mossyrock, Washington, an old mining town that reminded me a lot of towns in Iberville Parish. It had a quaint downtown area, much like those we have in our towns and cities.
Mossy Rock had some little pubs and a few diners in the middle of town. It even had a movie theater that still shows first-run movies. It makes wish I could have been around in the days of the Osage and Wilbert theaters in Plaquemine.
At the same time, it made me appreciate what I have here in Louisiana, ranging from life in my hometown of Plaquemine. The culture, the cuisine — and, most of all, the people — are among the reasons I'm glad I still live in this area.
Now that summer is just about over, life is about to get much busier. We will have the steady run of sporting events, along with the Acadian Festival and other events that will keep me busy in the fall as they have through the years.
I may moan and groan about the long hours both in the writing and the events I cover, but I still love the work.
As I've been told, it's in my blood.
These days, it's not as much work as it is tradition. I hope it continues for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Plaquemine Post South: Why the end of summer means a busy fall ahead