Hiking today with my daughter and faithful hound up on Forest Road 90 and the Iron Mountain Trail amidst the still lush, dark green foliage I saw a few leaves (just a very few, mind you), that seemed to be anxious for the next season. 

Most traveling for summer vacations is finished or nearing completion;  we are well into the 2012 Summer Olympics;  young people and teachers are gearing up for a new school year;  and here in Abingdon the Virginia Highlands Festival is in full swing.  I can sense a collective sense of just a bit of anticipation all around as we know the summer is slowly drawing to an end.  There’s still time to get outdoors and enjoy this season, though, which I encourage you to do.