The best thing about summer is that Fall always follows. Such an assertion might seem like straight up sun-hating, but summers in New Jersey are the time for concerts, hot weather, and vacation. Some of those are enjoyable–in part.

What works? Definitely not the hot weather, which mean big electric bills, sun burn and traffic jams. In the old days, summer also meant riots and random beatings as reported in the crime beat section. Following the popularity of Jersey Shore, the Garden State is a more peaceful and loving place. As long as Snooki gets her Red Bull everything is OK.

Or so the papers tell me.

Summer concerts do make the fun list. Caught a few really good ones this year, Bon Jovi and Hall and Oates among them.

But after this summer, I’m taking a real vacation. Did the staycation thing and barring a medical reason decided there are very good reasons to get the hell away from routine for a week or more. Giving the body and mind a total break is important.

Until that week of respite arrives, it may be 90 degrees and humid, but the leaves are turning.