I hesitate to say that I’m predictable, yet there are certain things that strike a chord within my psyche, and those notes are often familiar. Such is the case with the seasonal changes, which usually leave me feeling nostalgic even before the actual change has begun. 

And so it is with summer, which isn’t really over yet (autumn officially begins on September 22) but we all know what happens to our mindset once the Labor Day festivities are but a memory. So is summer, or so they say.

As always, my mind does what it does at this time of year, and a truly beautiful (IMHO) song, “The Summer Knows,” comes to mind. Written as the musical theme for the 1971 film “The Summer of ‘42,” the deeply moving lyrics, written by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, paired with the deceptively simple music composed by the incomparable Michel Legrand, combined to create a classic. It has become a standard for musicians and singers all over the world, including the likes of Dave Koz, Andy Williams, Sarah Vaughn, Peter Nero, Frank Sinatra and—perhaps most notably—Barbra Streisand.

The summer smiles, the summer knows

And unashamed, she sheds her clothes

The summer smooths the restless sky

And lovingly she warms the sand

On which you lie

Come September, I listen to one version after another, and pause to reflect on what has passed. While tempted to repeat trite expressions like “Where did the summer go?” and “time flies,” I flip through my virtual photo album, compiled over the last few months, and realize that I’ve packed a lot into the fleeting summer months. I hope that you have as well.

The summer knows, the summer’s wise

She sees the doubts within your eyes

And so she takes her summertime

Tells the moon to wait and the sun to linger

Twists the world ‘round her summer finger

For months, That Dog Named Gidget (follow her on Instagram) and I have traversed the Upper Delaware River region in search of entertainment destinations to share with you all. In doing so, we’ve been to great concerts, fantastic street festivals and impressive art exhibits. 

We’ve experienced tremendous live theatre, chased butterflies, (well, she has anyhow) spent countless hours basking in the glow of spectacular sunsets down by the lake and have enjoyed running into friends and neighbors at all of the above.

I may not be ready for the leaves to fall, that first lovely snowfall or hot chocolate by the fire, but I’m warming to the idea. While summer may not “officially” be over, the handwriting is on the wall, and someone is singing about it somewhere, even if it’s only in your head. 

And if you’ve learned your lesson well

There’s little more for her to tell

One last caress

It’s time to dress

For fall

Ask the Google: Who sang it best? Sinatra or Streisand? 

A: @TheMLPConnoiseur has this to say: “I am a professional trumpeter. This is without a doubt the most beautiful song ever written. The words and music can bring anyone to tears. Thank you, Barbra! No one should ever sing this song after hearing you do it. It would be professional suicide.” Check it out on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5nXHKyat_Y.