Dear Summer,

I'm obsessed.

Please don't ever leave.

I don't care that we only get a few days of sunshine at a time, I'll take what I can get.

I savor every second of your warmth and endless days.

The long winter is a distant memory.

Everyday is filled with hikes, meals on the balcony overlooking the river, late nights, and barbecues.

Not to mention the s'mores

It's funny, summer.

As a child I never appreciated you. California sunshine overflowed year-round.

Honestly, I didn't really notice you.

But now everything has changed.

One 9 month winter in Portland and I finally have learned to appreciate you.

I feel like I need to get in all of my summer loving that I never did as a child.

So please don't leave.

At least not for a few more weeks.

I promise not to take you for granted.

Love,

Allison

Dear blog readers,

I'm sorry I've been gone so long.

I haven't found time for anything lately besides work and enjoying summer.

There has been precious time with an old friend.

Hikes.

Gorgeous views.

A beautiful wedding.

Wine tasting in the Oregon countryside.

A rodeo.

Enjoying Portland's many microbrews.

And plain old summertime.

I promise I will be back, but for now it may not be as soon as we all would like.

I'm just too busy enjoying my new found love of summer!