In 1958, before I knew about the classic, wonderful bluesy “Summertime” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, “Summertime, Summertime“ was the title of a bouncy one-hit wonder that I liked a lot back in the day. I’ve been using that word, instead of just ordinary Summer, ever since. And I often sing the song (usually just to myself.)
But, making a slideshow of summer pictures when you live in San Diego ain’t so simple. So many images that say “summer” in other places just say “ho-hum” in “Sun Diego.” Sunshine? Got it. Water? Well, yeah. Lazy summer days? All year ‘round.
Summertime is really important in those more northern, truly temperate-zone climates, however. And our images of summertimes past are formed by where we spent them.
I hope these photos arouse feelings of summertime in you.
The next “A Photographic Look At …” will be some European street scenes.
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An American ParadeSummertime surely means parades everywhere around the world. Only the national flag changes. -
August '96 San DiegoFireworks displays link to Summertime as much as parades. -
Rodeo GalleryIn much of rural America, rodeo is a rite of Summertime. -
Fruit DrinksAnd after all that hot, dusty riding, what better than cool, fruity Summertime drinks…? -
Adult SwimUnless it’s a dip in a pool on a hot Summertime day. Especially when the kids are gone. -
Carnival Booth, DuskTraveling carnivals are as much a part of American Summertime as the Good Humor Man. What, you don’t remember either of them?! -
On A CarouselThe Allan Herschell Company is the only one remaining of about half a dozen carousel makers that were all located in North Tonawanda, New York. Of course, that was 100 years ago! Herschell built the carousel now located in Balboa Park, along with hundreds of others. They also specialized in carousels for traveling carnivals. -
Bumper CarsWhat boy doesn’t like aggression without consequences? -
Stationary MotionCentrifugal was always my favorite force. -
On Any SundayAh, a Sunday in the park. This is the famed Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park, NYC. But, smaller versions can be found everywhere on any Summertime Sunday. -
Hillside With TreesA simple Summertime landscape. -
Summertime TreesSun, dappled through tall trees green with foliage. -
Jacaranda, P.B.Even in San Diego, jacarandas in bloom mean Summertime and no other time. -
Poised for TakeoffWhere I grew up in Brooklyn dragonflies were also called ‘darning needles.’ Except, with the accent, I always thought it was ‘dining needles.’ I couldn’t understand that for the longest time. -
Wild Daisies in a BreezeGetting just the right amount of wind is an occasion. Yes, that’s a ladybug in the lower left corner. -
In The SunWhether you like ‘em or hate ‘em, dandelions mean Summertime all over. They also mean your lawn needs attention. -
Cascade Wild LilyLilies are so effusive; they open petals wide and stick out their stamen. Azaleas are sorta small versions. -
AzaleasLilies are so effusive; they open petals wide and stick out their stamen. Azaleas are sorta small versions. -
Backyard LilyThese lavender lilies in my backyard always make me wait until it’s truly Summertime before they bloom. Usually sometime in July. -
Evening PrimroseEven in the desert, certain flowers speak certain times of the year. Evening Primrose and Ocotillos blossoming are both sure signs of Summertime. -
Ocotillo BlossomsEven in the desert, certain flowers speak certain times of the year. Evening Primrose and Ocotillos blossoming are both sure signs of Summertime. -
Loosiana Fruit StandRoadside stands mean summer and harvest the world over. -
Scenic RoadRoad trip anyone? Another classic American Summertime pastime. -
A Canopy Beneath PalmsFor much of the industrial world, Summertime still is this. -
Rosebud With RosehipsA symbol of Summertime with a symbol of summer’s ending, together.
Michael-Leonard Creditor
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m-l, these are wonderful photos. They brought back so many memories. Thank you.
PS. One of my memories from the east is big gooey white clouds slowly moving across the landscape, casting cloud shadows below.
oh yeah, i forgot about cloud shots when i was putting this together. glad you enjoyed these.
those lavender lilies in my backyard started sprouting their first two blooms this morning. right on schedule.