By SAM HATCHER

Labor Day weekend is a checkered flag signaling the end of summer.

And what an unusual summer it has been.

Drought and record heat in the early weeks followed by plentiful rain and cooler temperatures in the second half.

At one time, as I recall, we went through a stretch of eight days with daily high mercury readings topping the 100 degree mark.

Our fear, if you recall, was if it’s this bad now, what’s it going to be like in August and September, the traditionally hottest and driest months of the year?

But truthfully the weather has been rather delightful since the season’s early days.

As this holiday weekend approaches, we recognize that it’s time to turn another calendar page.

It’s the beginning of football season, although high schools began a couple of weeks ago, and soon it will be Halloween, Thanksgiving and just around the corner reminders will begin about how many shopping days are left before Christmas.

We hope you and your family enjoy this Labor Day weekend.

Be safe.