Happy Labor Day

Each morning sees some task begin,
Each evening sees it close;
Something attempted, some done,
Has earned a night’s repose.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Not sure what year this was, but it was way back when.  My great grandfather was a fireman in the late 1800's and early 1900's.  I wonder if he was there.

Celebrated on the first Monday in September, Labor Day is dedicated to the American worker and, for most of us, marks the unofficial end of summer. Today the beaches and city pools are set to close.  Doesn't matter if it is hot as heck. Summer waited until September to arrive.  They are predicting at least two weeks of this hot and humid weather.  When I was working, it always meant a three-day weekend to look forward to.  Funny, how old habits die hard.  I said to hubby on Friday, "Hooray for three-day weekends." He pointed out that every day is a weekend day for me.  I guess for him that may be true, but I've got classes and groups I attend.  Granted, they are not mandatory, but they are part of my weekly schedule, and I take them very seriously.

This time of the year always stirs up some childhood memories, especially those days that fall right after Labor Day.  The first day of school was always one of the highlights of my year, despite how the other children treated me.  I guess I always hoped that this year would be different. When I see the 'back to school' sales I am reminded of those carefree days of youth when choosing an outfit for the first day of school was my biggest issue. Always first on the agenda were the  stories about what we did on our summer vacation.  Not that I had anything much to say.  Basically, each summer was pretty much the same for me. My family NEVER went on a trip, so mostly  I spent a lot of time at my grandparent's home. It never quite hit me until now that I never went anyplace with my parents.  So sad. 

I don't plan on doing much of anything today.  It is far too hot and humid to go out anyplace, so it is just going to be a day to put up my feet and find some marathon to get lost in on television. For many, this is a time to squeeze in a last minute summer vacation, have a picnic, or a barbecue. And others will be busy at the malls seeing what goodies that can pick up at the Labor Day sales.  Those crowded stores are not for me.  How times have changed.

When I was growing up, we would never think of shopping on Labor Day.  Actually we couldn't even if we wanted to shop. Stores were always closed on holidays and Sundays back then.  Then again, we had different lifestyles back then.  Most of our time was spent outdoors. Beside,  who would want to spend their day in a store when they could be out there watching the parade and spending a last day of swimming at the lake?  

But, with time, everything changes, and the world moves on  But our memories are with us forever.  Have a good one.

Wishing you all a very happy Labor Day.