by Allison Smith –
As eternally patient and optimistic West Coasters, we wait through the rainy fall, winter and drizzly spring, finally rewarded when summer arrives suddenly – a quick leap from “don’t forget your jacket” to “where did we put all the fans last year?”
July hits and suddenly it’s the time of everything in excess – sunshine, good fresh food, late bedtimes, summer cocktails and crisp beer, days spent at the beach or hiking through cool forests, time with friends, local fields overflowing with produce and flowers … and too many hours left in the working day until we can get outside again!
For my family, summer started with the arrival of our first foster puppy from the Victoria Humane Society. Milo was the beginning of 11 days of chaos, so much love, and too much quiet when he quickly found his “forever family.”
At Seaside, our “too much” was more stories than would fit in the number of pages we’d planned for August! We had lots we were bursting to share with our readers, and we realized we’d just need to make it bigger! The result is an issue absolutely jam-packed with everything you need to complement this month of excess. Want to try a new recipe or cocktail at your next get-together? Check out “Backyard Showdown” (pg 15) and “Summer Sparklers Three Ways” (pg 26) and you’ll be sure to wow everyone. Scottee Giles shares everything you need to know to plan a kayak trip (pg 18). If you’re feeling you’ve been a bit too unproductive and need some ideas for decluttering, the article on page 48 will put you on the right track. Robin Willis will help you overcome social anxiety to ensure you have a joyful summer (pg 62) and, when you’ve run through your summer bucket list, find suggestions to have a Peninsula Adventure Every Day on page 19. This is just a taste of everything we have for you this issue; there are so many articles to laze away the day with and, as Sue said, keep you entertained, inspired and engaged. Wishing you a wonderful summer filled with family, friends, and all the “too much” you can handle.
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by Moden Boutique. Shot on location at Port Sidney.
