Today marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada with what is officially known as the May 2-4 week-end. While the 24th May may actually be next week-end this year, Canadian’s get the third Monday of every May off to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday. While this Queen may have “ruled” the British Commonwealth up until January 1901 – so most of us weren’t alive when she was – we don’t care because she gave us a day off! Yippie!
After living through the snowy winters and spring thaw, this week-end is the time when Canadians rejoice and celebrate the warmer temperatures and longer days with an extra day off.
This week-end brings back many mories for me. For years it was the week-end we'd open up the cottage and see all our summer friends for the first time in six months. My strongest memories have to do with the lake - where most of the time I'd try to brave the cold lake water for a swim and maybe even a waterski. However last year and 1978 stand in my mind as being exceptional because we had exceptionally warm springs both years and were able to enjoy a lake temperature of around 22C.
I'm heading to the lake in a couple of hours but will not attempt a swim this year!
I leave you with some song lyrics by the Canadian musical group Rush, who with this song refer to their own May 2-4 memories.
....... Everyone would gather
On the twenty-fourth of May
Sitting in the sand
To watch the fireworks display
Dancing fires on the beach
Singing songs together...
Though it's just a memory
Some memories last forever
Here's my backyard - a mixture of mud and weeds!
