The Bear

I don't consider where we live to be "in the country" but we're definitely not in the hub of civilization. New York City is about 30 minutes away. We have just over a quarter acre complete with a fabulous artificial hill made by our septic system. Eventually when it's in the budget and we have the time we're going to re-fence the yard with a white picket fence and I'd like to plant a few fruit trees and some raspberry bushes. Right now we have 4 or 5 different types of fencing surrounding our yard. Weeds everywhere and so many of our bushes and trees are in desperate need of pruning. We are slowly getting to the yardwork that needs to be done. Yesterday Justin trimmed the bush that was blocking the gas meter.
Last August Justin and I got married. While we were away on our honeymoon our friends who were staying at our house discovered that we had another visitor as well. A bear. This bear made a few appearances but I guess he was returned to somewhere appropriate for him to be because by September he was gone and we haven't seen him since.

Last night the ice cream truck came by and the whole neighborhood came out to indulge. It's amazing the sense of community that a frozen dairy treat can bring. One neighbor that our friend the Bear made his presence known yesterday morning. He's back.

Welcome to summer!

What does summer mean to you? Are your summers full of ice cream, neighbors and bears?