Summer Checklist

The summer of 2009 is like no other summer I've seen.
We've all been waiting all summer for summer to come. It's true.

The rain has been like a bad rash that just won't clear up. Here it is, July, and I haven't done half the things I would have done if it were a normal summer.



BUT!
I have a summer checklist.
Certain things have to get done. AND THEY WILL!
There are specific places that I must go and certain foods I need to have, and there are events that are summer rituals for me.

The summer just isn't complete unless these things get done.
I think that everyone would have a better summer if they made a checklist of their own.
So read mine and come up with your own, and I hope you have a great summer!

Destinations:

• Gloucester area beaches: Rockport, Good Harbor, Long Beach
• Salisbury, Hampton, especially the boardwalk
• York Beach, Maine, My favorite of all
• Canobie Lake Park, brings out the kid in me, and they have fireworks on Saturday night
• Castle Island, Central Maine, fishing for pike on a beautiful natural lake
• The Pemigewassett River, Bristol, NH, best smallmouth bass fishing around, and so nice
  
• Burlington Vermont, Even the long ride up there is enjoyable, and it's so nice up there
• Boston's Freedom Trail, Sometimes we take it for granted, and it's really cool

Events:

• Fireworks - Anywhere, but especially Gloucester and Canobie lake
• Backyard Barbecues- ask me, I'm there
• Outdoor concerts at Heritage Park in Lowell, you can't beat that venue or the price
• Outdoor Concerts anywhere but Great Woods, or whatever they're calling it this week
• Campfires on the beach, a river or any other place, nothing better than sitting by a fire
• Hiking in the woods, alone or with friends, it's fun and it doesn't cost a penny
• A good thunderstorm on my back porch, or on the lake at Castle Island
• Whale Watch - Gloucester has a great one
• A boat ride of any kind. Just to be on the water is great
• Cocktails on a patio or deck on a nice summer day
• Walking in York Village watching them make the taffy etc...
• Fishing- just about anywhere, but especially NH and Maine
• Summer Reading - on the back porch, or the beach, or a cottage, or by a pool...
  

FOOD & BEVERAGES:

• Cookout food of all kinds, chicken, ribs, steak tips, sausages, cheeseburgers, hotdogs
• Corn On The Cob from some road-side stand
  
• Lobster
• Lobster Roll- preferably from that little fish store in York Village
• Fried Clams - From the Clam Box in Ipswich, or Woodman's
• Any and all junk food on the boardwalk at Hampton Beach
• Shooting the piano player in the ass at the arcade on Hampton Beach
  
• A Lime Rickey on a hot day
• A Raspberry Lime Rickey on a very hot day
  
• Salt Water Taffy & Chocolate Turtles form York Village
• Blueberry Pie with ice cream
• Blueberry Pancakes
• Blueberry Bread
• Blueberry this
• Blueberry that
  
• Watermelon
• Italian Ice
• Popsicles
• Frappes 
  
• Watermelon Italian Ice
  
• Planked Salmon
• Richie's Slush
  
• Macaroni Salad
• Potato Salad
• Chicken Salad
  
• Fresh Tomatoes from the garden
  
• Coffee Coolatas
• Home Made Iced Tea or Sun Tea
  
• Margaritas
• Pina Coladas
• Ice Cold Beer from the bottom of a cooler filled with ice water

I think that just about covers it.
Did I leave anything out?
Please leave me a comment, if you think of anything.

Have a great summer!