27 May 2025 — Or, for extra sibilance, seven street-side signs of summer.
Because there they all were, as I walked a modest loop near home: one sign after another that we Canadians know what season this is, even if the solstice hasn’t yet rolled around. The May Two-Four weekend is behind us, and summer has begun.
Sign # 1: sidewalk tree, boasting a brand-new swing.
Sign # 2: lawn cat, luxuriating in the new warmth of the earth.
Sign # 3: fencepost cat, rocking his brand-new sunglasses.
Sign # 4: a pair of geese (faux), nesting in the gravel (real).
Sign # 5: a solo goose (real), nibbling new blades of grass (also real).
Sign # 6: garage-top veggies, tilting their faces to the sun.
And finally…
Sign # 7: victims of spring cleaning, hoping to find a new home.
Would you like a bonus sign of summer? I found myself walking on the shady side of the street.
I can almost see you nodding in recognition. All winter long, we walk on the sunny side. And then, suddenly, one day, oup-là!, it’s the great switch-over. Now we seek the shade.
WALKING WOMAN 
J Walters
/ 27 May 2025Yes, cat in the grass (although it looks kinda grumpy) is a perfect one. Nice list.
icelandpenny
/ 28 May 2025I defend that cat! I think he was merely a bit slit-eyed, in delight.
Lynette d'Arty-Cross
/ 27 May 2025The shady side of the street! You definitely nailed the signs of summer, Penny.
Liz
/ 27 May 2025A nice list and definitely signs of summer.
himalayaheart
/ 27 May 2025Which simple sign of summer do you notice first that truly makes you feel the season has arrived?
icelandpenny
/ 28 May 2025When I lived in Toronto, and the weather contrast was sharper, the first exciting sign of the new season was the pungent smell of the earth, as it thawed. Second sign, the first time I smelt new-mown grass. How about you?
himalayaheart
/ 28 May 2025For me, summer really begins when the mountain trails open up and the breeze carries the sound of prayer flags across the Himalayas. That’s when trekking season in Nepal truly comes alive—especially the Everest Base Camp route. If it’s on your list, maybe this is the year to make it happen! We’d love to welcome you and offer an unforgettable journey.
Also, I’ve been working on a mountain travel guide and would be so honored if you’d consider a guest post feature. I really admire your writing and would love to build a connection. Would you be open to it?
icelandpenny
/ 29 May 2025Thank you so much for your warmth and appreciation. For a variety of reasons, at this age & stage, my travel is likely to stay within Canada. I have good memories of being near, if not quite in, your territory. In the early 1960s, I was one of the Canadian university students participating in a joint Canadian-Pakistani university summer seminar, which culminated in travel through Swat and a final residential session in Abbottabad. So I know a bit of the beauty, grandeur and majesty the Himalayas. Now I have the good fortune to look out daily across the city to the Coast Range Mountains. What good fortune we all have, to live with these elements of sky and mountain and the dynamics of their endless dance. It’s a joy, in every season.
Leanne Cole
/ 28 May 2025Looks like summer is there, or almost there Penny, it seems summer has finally left us.
icelandpenny
/ 28 May 2025Yes, I have family in Bendigo, digging out their winter gear.
Bronlima
/ 28 May 2025Sigh….summer over in Peru. Never gets too cold in winter, but extremely humid. Thick wooly socks needed, log fire an advantage.
icelandpenny
/ 28 May 2025I have vivid memories of Lima’s winter garúa. Brrr. Bundle up, stay cozy, enjoy that fireplace…
Jim
/ 28 May 2025Another great post – thanks for sharing, Penny!
My great switch-over is installing my portable AC pipe into my bedroom window – I can’t believe it’s almost time to make the move. It doesn’t feel like that long ago that I took it down!
icelandpenny
/ 29 May 2025And we’ve all swapped our winter hats for our summer hats!
Jim
/ 29 May 2025That’s true. Oh! You’ve just reminded me of another big shift – the day that I first wear shorts to the office 😄