I loved reading your post, a very well written narrative that transported me to a time long ago.
 
For us summer does not have the same meaning as it does for you. Here in the tropics the changes throughout the year are not noticeable, we only have periods when it rains more and others when it rains less. Our equivalent to summer would be the month of August when we take the end of the school year vacations, in those days is when we generally break the rhythm of life. 

Thanks for sharing dear @ericvancewalton . A big hug from Maracay.