The night was perfect with a small breeze so we had our very first movie night, and it was a fun evening. The set up was easy. The new table held the projector and the screen pulled open from the sides. All I had to do was load the movie and adjust the sound. The debut film was Jaws. When those familiar notes announced the shark at the beginning of the movie, we were almost giddy with anticipation. I got pinched when my friend Clare jumped at the sight of Ben Gardner’s face in the boat. We decided we’re going to have a movie night every week. I won’t sit near Clare.

The weather doesn’t allow for much activity. It is still hot and sticky. Sitting in a chair on the deck, drinking lemonade and reading is about as strenuous as I want to be all day. The book is already outside waiting.

I really don’t remember the heat when I was a kid even though I was busy every single day. In the mornings I was at the playground where I played checkers, horseshoes, a little tennis and did all sorts of crafts. I made countless potholders and gymp bracelets. Once I painted a tray. I remember because it was one of the best things I ever made. I was never really all that talented when it came to drawing or painting, and this was a masterpiece. The tray had flowers, red and white ones. I gave it to my mother. I went home for lunch every day then back to the playground in the afternoon. Once or twice a week, we played softball against the other playgrounds. I was a pitcher and a fearsome hitter.

Twice a week, from the time I was eleven, I had drill practice at night under the lights. The competitions were on the weekends, usually Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons. We competed in the CYO and Eastern Mass circuits. Bands and drum corps also competed at the same competitions. The fields were hot, always totally in the sun, as were the stands. I remember one of my friends fainted a few times during competitions. I think we just walked over her, not wanting the routine spoiled. She doesn’t remember. Good thing probably.

All I want is one sweatshirt day.