Ontario Outdoors – Springing into Summer

​The seasons in Ontario continue to be a little askew… Mother Nature just can’t make up her mind about what season it is! In one week, we have gone from a low of about 1°C to a high of 28°C (excluding the humidex) just west of Toronto where I am. That’s some crazy weather – Is it too early to say summer is here?

The past few years, winter seems to last forever. However, this year, I feel like spring came early and summer is already here! I would much prefer the warmth of summer with greenery and sunshine compared to the dreadfully cold winters we get here in Ontario. But why does it always feel like there is so much to do once the warm weather hits? My to do list includes planting my evolving garden veggies [and remembering to water them], cleaning up and mowing the lawn, touching up the flower garden, switching out the winter tires, and the list is never ending. The quick temperature increase has given the weeds a head start in my yard and I’m having to put in some elbow grease to rid the dandelions from taking over, and it’s not fun… I have already put in over 4 hours of weeding in my front yard alone, and we’re now going with the “nuke it all” approach for our overgrown backyard because we could literally spend days out there weeding. And this year we are putting in a shed! We’ve had the yard scanned and purchased the shed, now we just have lay a base and erect it!

My backyard last year (this year isn't much better)

​Needless to say, summer is lovely and I enjoy my time outside, even if it involves a lot of maintenance work (plus getting a tan and natural highlights doesn’t hurt). I love seeing the baby bunnies grow up in my back yard and everyone seems to be so cheerful and happy once the nice weather arrives. Neighbours can chat and kids can play outside, it’s not a nuisance to walk your dog or go for a walk together, the cool evening breeze offers a nice break from the heat of the day and the late evening cricket chirps are soothing. Everything seems more enjoyable in the summer, wouldn’t you agree?
 
The funny thing about the drastically varied weather in Canada is that as Canadians, we long for the change the seasons bring and then complain when it occurs in full force. 30+°C [with the humidex] on the regular is not uncommon once peak season hits. Personally, I welcome the heat - winter is my least favourite season because I hate the cold and dislike having to bundle up to go out anywhere, as well as shoveling snow. I can’t wait until summer arrives because it means the snow is good as gone! Bu then the humidity skyrockets and it get uncomfortably hot and sticky... Seems like there’s a very small window for a middle ground in the spring and fall. Why can’t every day be 20°C, sunny, with a light breeze?

Spending the afternoon at the beach, The Pinery

​All I can say is that I’m excited for the fast approaching summer season, even if it includes feeling like I’m living life in a sauna or steam room sometimes. It’s better than freezing in an ice chest!
 
I would love to hear what summer is like where you are, or what you like most about the season. Feel free to share below!