By Susan Lesh
This is the tail end of summer for me. An admitted advantage to being employed by a school system is the opportunity to rejuvenate, restore, and reboot over the summer. I usually spend time with my family and get out into nature. My sisters and I explored Virginia Beach and found that even the beach is too hot when there’s a heatwave! We went out only in the evenings but discovered lots of talented musicians performing for free on Atlantic Avenue. We saw a high school marching ensemble, jazz musicians, big bands, and rock bands; I believe they were all local talent. We loved this unexpected experience and danced and shimmied all the way down the street, bringing out our inner child.
David and I have just returned from the beauty of Scotland, our first time there. Our center was Edinburgh, a fabulous treasure-trove of history. We walked a lot and our feet were aching by the end of the night from the cobblestones. The city was also alive with Festival Fringe and many performing arts events happening all day and night, every day. We ended every night with fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, seen from our hotel window. A bus trip to the Highlands showed us the stunning landscape of mountains, clear lochs, heather-filled fields, and the hillsides with sheep, which outnumber people. All of this was constantly transformed by the clouds, fog, sun, and rain that occurred within the hour.
I have connected with family and drunk in nature. The days will soon be shorter and the routine of work, exercise, and chores will be here soon. I look forward to seeing my Ethical family, to hearing your stories, to sharing my stories. I wish you all a peaceful end to summer and look forward to seeing you soon.
Susan Lesh is president of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County.
