Maybe it's because I was born in Wisconsin where summer is usually rather brief. For example, I remember the Summer of 1974. It fell on a Tuesday. But, ever since I was a tot, I've looked at July 4 as the end of summer, not the mid-way point. Now, I fully realize we, in KC, have a solid two and almost three months of potentially hot, humid weather ahead of us. In fact, by looking at the KMBC Weather Calendar, I see that we are just now entering, based on average high temperatures, the hottest stretch, statistically speaking. The average high temp around here will be 89 degrees until August 8, when it tumbles a whole degree. There is a lot of useful information on the KMBC Weather Calendar but not as much as there used to be. I remember when there were lots of weird little weather facts listed for almost everyday and important dates like the birthdays of the weathercasters. I think they eliminated that information just in case someone, meaning me, was shown the door before the end of the year. Also, I may have gotten a little greedy by listing my clothing sizes, favorite colors and most-shopped-at stores on my birthday date. The bottom-line is that, as far as heat is concerned, summer is just getting warmed up. Still, I prefer to focus on the approach of autumn. Of course, I also like to pretend I live in Mayberry. Get my hair cut by Floyd. Eat Sunday dinner at Andy's and help Barney nab Ernest T. Bass...so, you probably shouldn't go by me.

Interestingly, my kids, maybe without even knowing it, seem to fall into the end-of-summer mode, too. When the neighborhood pool first opens, they are there a lot. They spend so much time in the water, they look like extras for Return of the Prune People. Now, not so much. Oh, they still make token appearances but their hearts aren't really in it. And, truth-be-told, since they start school in about 39 days, it may well feel like summer has slipped away from them. This anti-summer feeling may also have to do with my just completed vacation week. I don't really have time-off scheduled until nearly September now. Despite the pleas from viewers and management. So, that makes it feel like the season is dwindling.

The facts are as follows when it comes to summer: According to the hanging-on-the-wall calendar, we have around 74 days until autumn. According to the hanging-on-the- meteorologist calendar, July and all of August are considered summer months. According to the temperatures, it doesn't get consistently below 80 until around the end of September. According to the school schedule, summer runs until at least mid-August or so for most kids. SO, according to the FACTS, it is still summer for a long time to come. But, for those of you who've watched my forecasts, you know I never let the facts get in my way. SO, for me, I declare the end of summer. Now, where are my mittens?