Summer's Unofficial End: Finding Joy in the Winding Down

As Labor Day arrives earlier than ever, marking the unofficial end of summer, many of us are forced to confront the reality of another season's fleeting moments. Yet, despite the passing of time, there remains a three-week window between Labor Day and the equinox, a soft and gradual landing, where we can still linger in the joys of summer. By deliberately doing the things we won't be able to once the cold months set in, we can maintain the openness and freedom that defines our summer selves.

Key Takeaways:

• The summer season is not over yet, with 23 days remaining before the official start of fall on September 22.
• The concept of "equinoctials" can be used to describe those who believe the almanac decides when summer ends, not the purveyors of pumpkin spice everything.
• The three weeks leading up to the equinox can serve as a soft and gradual landing, allowing us to ease in and out of summer.
• Deliberately doing the things we love, such as going to the beach, eating fresh vegetables, and wading in creeks, can help maintain the sense of openness and freedom that defines our summer selves.
• The sonic landscape of summer, marked by the buzzing of cicadas, can serve as a reminder to make the most of the remaining time.
• The tradition of clinging to summer's end can be a relatable one, as seen in the story of a group of British seniors who solve murders from their retirement home.

Statistics:

• 23 days: the number of days remaining before the official start of fall on September 22.
• 7:28 p.m. Eastern: the time of the sunset on Labor Day.
• 51 degrees: the temperature on a night in late August that made one consider building a fire.
• 70: the estimated number of people who died after a boat capsized off the West African coast.
• 60: the estimated number of people still missing after the boat capsized.

Sources:

• "The New York Times"
• "The New York Times Online"
• No additional sources are mentioned in the provided text.