The last 90 days have flown by. In the blink of an eye, we went from ‘end of the school year’ to ‘we are back’. During this time, we had vacations, witnessed another Olympics, Major League Baseball All-Star Game and lazy days.

When I was a kid growing up in Patterson, I lived in the country. Summer was my favorite season because out there it was endless possibilities of fun and memories. I remember sitting outside eating ice cream watching bats fly out of the barn at dusk. My brothers and I would play outside from the moment our chores were done and only came inside for lunch and dinner until bedtime. Fourth of July was always special for me back then. My dad and I would drive into town to get fireworks. We would gather around outside and set them into the night.

In the early part of summer Patterson would hold the annual multi-day festival known as The Apricot Fiesta. A tradition that is still running strong. I would go as a young kid, enjoying the parade, art show, food and arm-wrestling contest. Fast forward 30-some-odd years, and now I take my wife and kids to it. My oldest son looks forward to it each year and I see him smile and enjoy it the way I used to.

As I got older (teenager) my parents and I would watch the mini-series Roots, Centennial and North and South during the summer. All three of those sagas hold a special place in my heart and memory bank.

However, when one season ends, a new one begins. Currently, fall is my favorite season. I love the weather, sports, my birthday, new television shows and season premieres and my personal favorite; fantasy football.

It is also the start of the school year. My son started third grade and he is really enjoying it. He is doing well and has gotten a grasp on the new math he is presented with (multiplication and division). With school starting I get to attend and cover the fall sports at Oakdale High School. Always a great time.

Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.