Summer Officially Starts at 6:07 A.M. Thursday

We've had some pretty nice weather over last few weeks here in the Twin Tiers. And of course, the "unofficial start of summer" was a couple of weeks ago with the Memorial Day Weekend. But now it's time to rejoice because summertime is finally here. After the long cold winter we had, we really need to enjoy the summer weather while it lasts. Because before you know it, it will be September and the fall weather will be coming.

This year I promised myself I would golf more than I have over the last few years. I was off to a good start too before I had my back issues last weekend. I'm hoping to get back out on the local courses soon. I want to spend as much time outdoors this summer as I can. That includes having fires on the patio at the house. It's relaxing to just hang out with my wife and friends while enjoying some adult beverages listening to the fire crackle away. I'm also looking forward to spending summer nights at NYSEG Stadium watching the Binghamton Rumble Ponies games. And with the warmer weather, I'm hoping to spend some time up at Watkins Glen at some point. That's always an awesome get away for the day. Walking through the State Park, hitting up some wineries, and grabbing some dinner around Seneca Lake.

If you're looking to do some stuff with the kids or even grandkids this summer, we have your chance to win tickets to Darien Lake or Enchanted Forest Water Safari. To win those all you have to do is stop by The Thrifty Shopper. You can stop by either one of their two locations on Upper Front Street in Binghamton and on Hooper Road in Endwell, and register to win family four packs to those theme parks. I have fond memories as a kid going to theme parks with my family. We would go to Rocky Glen Park, also known as Ghost Town, down in Moosic Pennsylvania. And I also have great memories of going to Hershey Park as a kid as well as a young adult. Chris and I took Ian to Hershey as well as Dorney Park in Allentown many times when he was younger.

So raise a glass to Summer and enjoy every minute of it that you can.