Today is the first day of August, the last full month of summer. For me, this month is usually my time to kick back and rest. My work travel is finished. My writing and editing assignments are submitted. My next articles aren’t due until later in the fall and my speaking engagements don’t begin until the end of September. So, if I’m going to get any downtime, it’s in August. I do have some things on the calendar, but they are fun events. Of course, I’ll have to work, but things tend to be slower in August because everyone else is on vacation.

If your August is a bit slower, you can take advantage of that slower pace by spending more time resting outside in the sunshine or taking advantage of the summer events (concerts, outdoor movies, etc.) in your community.

In many places, August is the month for state and county fairs. Now, I have to admit that one of the big draws for me at a fair is the fair food. Fat, salt, grease and sugar — what’s not to love? You can’t pretend that fair food is even a little bit healthy. I mean, even the vegetables are coated in breading, deep-fried, and then dipped in a fat-filled dressing. Ok, that’s certainly not the way you should eat every day, but once or twice a year? Enjoy it! But if you do visit the fair, make sure you move beyond the food tents and trailers. Check out the livestock, the home canning display, and the crafts. For those of us with more urban lifestyles, the fair may be the only chance we have for contact with the more agricultural and artisanal lifestyles.

So, in between the hot dog on a stick and the funnel cake, remind yourself of the work of those who make your life possible.