With all due respect to Epicurus

I blogged earlier that this summer was shaping up to be everything a summer should be, hot. It fulfilled its promise and has been great.

Now, the days are noticeably shortening and there have been a few cool mornings. That’s okay. I don’t think I’d enjoy the summer as much without the colder seasons, and they have some things to offer as well. Likewise, the colder weather makes southern getaways that much better. Having grown up in the northern climes, warm weather was always something special.

It sounds a bit like Epicurus’ contention that pleasure is the absence of the unpleasant. But, I wouldn’t go that far. I can enjoy some things without actually feeling pain from others, thank you.

In the same vein, I just received an email from a friend away on a kayak trip. Having a blast, wish you were here and why don’t you do more of these weekend trips with us? One reason is that Saturday nights have always been special to me.

Like virtually all adolescents, I’d have school all week. After school, there would be team or band practices and/or work. Then, I’d work all day Saturday, mostly at an auto shop, installing tires, batteries, shocks, seat covers and other dirty work. I remember wresting with this stuff one long day when “Five O’Clock World” (The Vogues) came on the tinny radio in the back of the shop. It totally resonated with me. After a long week and Saturday’s labor, I couldn’t wait to zip home, scrub off the grease and go out on a date. That was the reward at the end of the maze.

It must’ve imprinted because later, even when I was married, Saturday nights were reserved for reveling. I would always have something planned. Still true, today.

Do Sunday through Friday have to be miserable to enjoy Saturday nights? No, you just have to treasure them.