But by the time midsummer rolls around on the eastern end of Long Island, a hint of desperation seems to settle in among the summer habitués who know that the days of sunset clambakes and lazy afternoons at Georgica Beach are coming to an end.
Midsummer is coneflower time, of course, and I was stopped dead in my tracks by both the colors of these echinaceas — Green Jewel, neon green petals with a green nose; Fatal Attraction, a bright pink; Vintage Wine, a deep rose with a spicy scent; and the unfortunately named Virgin, a pure white — and by their seemingly impossible vigor.
O'Brien, who has won Ascot's midsummer championship three times, said: "Sir Isaac Newton is in there [the King George] but Highland Reel may be our only runner".
Before Train Time By midsummer, the gloomy former taxi station at the Vanderbilt Avenue entrance to Grand Central Terminal may be spruced up to become a seasonal outdoor cafe for some restaurants inside.
"To have Mukhadram, the Coral-Eclipse winner, in there too, and the likes of Flintshire and Noble Mission as possibles, makes this one of the most exciting renewals of Europe's premier midsummer race for some time".
And there is Ian, the four-year-old son of a colleague of mine, who came upon baseball for the first time in midsummer and noticed it in pieces: "No goalies — right, Dad?" and "Can't they find gloves that fit?" — this last when he saw how so many outfielders wear their mitts on their fingertips, for added reach.
In June 2010, more than 100 skiers took advantage of ski tows being open at CairnGorm Mountain for the first time in midsummer.
That is how much power the World Trade Center was allocated for use at peak times, like midsummer.
FINE PRINT Of Course, Fame Carries a Price Tag CELEBRITY villas are available during many periods throughout the year, though Christmas and midsummer can be difficult times to find a place.
