Summer bucket list

I haven't really decided when summer starts.

Per the calendar, it doesn't actually start until June 20.

For my teacher friends, it arrives as soon as school lets out.

For some people (including me), Memorial Day marks the beginning.

Summer is one of my favorite seasons -- baseball, music festivals, drinks on the patio, fireworks and my birthday -- so I'm in favor of it lasting a long time.  Maybe that's why I go with the Memorial Day start.

The other day, Ashley posted her summer bucket list.  I decided to think about what things I want to do and enjoy this summer.  I came up with a dozen. I think it's a good start.

Micah's Summer Bucket List

1  >> Visit a new Iowa winery.  I love trying new wines, and I've visited a few in Central Iowa (Jasper and Snus Hill --- both AWESOME, by the way).  I want to explore more of them. My friend won a free tasting which she scheduled for the end of June.  I just have to figure out if I can make that work.

2  >> Spend an afternoon at a pool. I'm not real comfortable wearing a swimsuit in public, but if I'm with a friend, maybe.  Anyone have a private pool they want to invite me to?

3  >> Take in a minor league baseball game.  I'll actually be checking this off of my list tomorrow.  But hopefully I don't stop at one.  There's something awesome about a hot dog, a beer and watching players who are trying hard to get to the next level.

4  >> Find a few 5Ks to run.  I have a goal of doing five this year, and the only one I've signed up for happens in October.  I better get on this.

5  >> Keep my tomato plant alive.  I am horrible with plants.  I received two as housewarming gifts and neither lived more than a month.  I hope my tomato fares better.

6  >> See some concerts, including at least one outdoors.  As you all know by now, I love my music.  Especially live music.  I already have some shows lined up for the summer, but none of them -- so far -- are outdoors.  I need to search for that one.

7  >> Sit by the lake and read.  I live mere blocks from the lake, and there are lots of public places to sit by the water.  I really need to grab my Kindle and head out there one of these days.  It might be the only way I stay away from the computer and TV and just get lost in a story.

8  >> Read 15 books.  When I actually make time to read, I go through books quickly.  Fifteen should be doable.  I have a long to-read list, and even own several of the books on that list. I just need to get on it.  See number 7.

9  >> Catch up with an old friend. I have a particular one in mind.  I haven't seen him in more than ten years, and he only lives an hour from me.  I just need to convince him to meet me for dinner.

10 >> Go to a farmer's market.  I hope to get to the Des Moines one some weekend when I'm visiting my family.  But I'd even like to find a local one.  One of the best things about summer is fresh produce.  And I like supporting local growers.

11 >> Go to a zoo.  I really want to go to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.  It's a reasonable road trip.  I should find a Saturday and just go.

12 >> Go on a date.  This might be the item least likely to happen. I'm ashamed to tell you how long it's been since I've been on a date.  Very ashamed.  It's hard to meet people, let alone guys I want to get to know better.  Help?

What's on your summer bucket list?