Finally! August has arrived, just when I was beginning to think it would never get here. While many cling to the wonderfully long days of summer, hoping they'll last a little longer, I'm always a bit eager to see them go. In our line of work, the unspoken business hours are sun-up to sun-down. Construction doesn't take a summer break, and those who toil under the hot sun are definitely on my list of heroes.

 Oh, I know August is a summer month. But the very name makes me think of autumn. The county fair will come along with a cooler breeze in the evenings. The fruits of our collective summer labor will be on display, giving us contented closure.

The sun will come up after 6 in the morning, setting before 8 each night.

Those yellow school buses will be winding their way through the town, and we'll know the count down will soon be on for Thanksgiving break.

I'll sit out on my porch with a cup of coffee, and I'll hear the high school marching band practicing in the distance. The promise of cold nights at football games with blankets and sweat shirts will waft its way into my mornings.

Thanks for coming, August. You're a welcome guest.

 Sandy keeps an online journal at her website www.field-days.com.

E-mail her at sandy@field-days.com.