Boy, has summer come on fast this year. It seems as if Mother Nature married a dry winter and spring together, and they spontaneously birthed monsoon season and heat.

Cutting grass between rainstorms has become my ambition. A native of Brooklyn so long ago, as I look out my window and see cows grazing in the meadow, I remember my childhood when the only livestock I knew were the dead rats laying next to the garbage bins a foot away from their thriving companion. But now I own a 19-horsepower Allis-Chalmers with a 48" deck.

Recently, I experienced one of my most prideful parental moments when, at the tractor parade in Callicoon, my young son looked up at me and asked, "Mommy, can I enter your tractor in the parade next year?" "Of course," I said, choking back tears.

At first, I insisted to my husband I needed a small manageable riding mower to clean up the immediate grounds around the house. You know, something with a cup holder. But then I saw my machine in the lot, and I knew I was meant for greater things.

Slowly, at first, the area of lawn to field increased ever so slightly. Then I began some serious mowing, each time cutting farther and farther out until pasture became manicured sod as far as the eye could see.

Every time a kid in the backyard popped a ball into the high grass, Allis and I were out there increasing the outfield. The parents in the bleachers really appreciate it. And, as a result, the ballfield no longer interferes with the putting green.

I don't want to give the wrong impression; I do do other things. Sullivan County is abuzz with excitement in the summertime.

There are garage, barn, lawn, and yard sales galore. We have fabulous parks and recreational areas. We host festivals, fairs and block parties from Narrowsburg to Grahamsville. There are water attractions, including our beautiful Delaware River. There are several wonderful theatre groups. We have countless private parties with great barbecues.

Overall, there are probably hundred of ways to make a lifetime of summer memories here in the Sullivan County Catskills. I know I have my share.

This weekend will kick off summer with an explosion of dazzling fireworks lighting up the humid night sky in all corners of the county.

It's the time of year when we who live here year round - those of us, troopers that we are, who brave the nearly endless winters of discontent - realize how lucky we are to live in a place where others come to vacation.

While some Sullivan County residents and visitors come here to do a myriad of things, some of us like to just kick back on the front porch with tall lemonade and watch the grass grow.

Whatever your pleasure, whether you're back or you never left, enjoy Sullivan County this season, and have a safe and wonderful summer, everyone.