It always seems to happen so suddenly, doesn't it?  We have about 8 weeks where the sun comes up early and goes down late.  And then, right about this time of year, we notice it's changing.  Days are getting shorter and we're on the back-half of summer. 

I remember when I was a school boy getting anxious when we turned the calendar from July to August.  I'd come to the annual realization that I'd have to go back to school in a few weeks.  Oh, I didn't dislike going to school but I liked my summer routine much better.   

I'd stay up late and always slept in.  My days were full of activities from bike rides and swimming to baseball and football.  Trading that carefree lifestyle in for the classroom in September always made me sad. 

I realized this past Saturday I still get that same kind of anxious feeling when August arrives. 

I was outdoors on a beautiful, summer's day with some friends.  One of the fellas says, "Well, enjoy it boys.  Summer's almost half over.  Pretty soon it'll be August." 

My other friend said, "Um, today is August 1st." 

And the other guy says, "You see?  I told you."