When the seasons hint that they will soon be changing, as in late July, some women want to get new outfits, shoes or handbags.

I like to look at sale catalogs but end up throwing down my hard-earned cash for things like a new garden shovel and wheel barrow, or a new adjustable wrench. These I squirrel away so none of my men-folk (husband and sons) know where they are stored.

There is just something about a shiny, new tool. Well, I like OPI nail polishes, too, but they don’t last very long.

With our summer rains here now in northern Arizona, I can look out my office window at a huge pile of mulch, deposited there by an industrial chipper following substantial tree trimming in the last couple of weeks. In fact, I’m going out to spread some around now!

Being a self-employed entrepreneur often means lots of solitude and too many hours spent in the office. Here’s hoping you’ll be able to enjoy some of your other interests in these dog days of summer!