This year has gone by at lightning speed and we are again in the midst of summertime. Back by popular demand, here is the 2014 version of my Top Ten List for Summer in Middleburg.

1. No power, no shower. In a rush, can't flush. Ma Nature is continuing her epic shenanigans this summer with some severe thunderstorms. We know what this means: power outages. You have two choices in the country, a generator or water filled milk jugs if you need to flush or brush.

2. Ladies seem to have a grip on the pedicure movement, but gentlemen, start your sandblasters. I am not implying that you need to sit in the salon with your best buddies or anything, but some attention definitely needs to be paid to your peds. If your toenails are thick, yellow and curled over your flesh, rent a Dremel tool or I am happy to recommend an excellent farrier to assist you.

3. Summertime is the perfect time of year to start up a new hobby, sport or project. There are so many things on my bucket list, I had a hard time choosing where to put my efforts this year. I chose shooting. Yes, with a gun. No, not at bunnies nor enemies. If you have never tried it, don't judge, just give it a shot.

4. Recently I was in the line at the grocery store. I had just ridden a few horses and I was certainly NOT fresh as a daisy. I saw my neighbors in the line twisting their noses and subtly holding their breaths. I smelled it too, but was horrified when I realized it was ME! I was sporting a wafting combination of sweat, fly spray, horse sweat and a touch of manure. Be aware of your odor. I took one for the team so no one else has to this summer. Okay?

5. Normally I find it completely obnoxious to hear blaring music with the windows down, but I am changing my opinion. Have a Jerry McGuire moment and sing "Free Falling", or your favorite tune, at the top of your lungs and intentionally off-key. Just maybe not down Main Street.

6. A summer without shoes should bring back memories of summer camp and flashlight tag. But it can also bring planter's warts and snake bites. Neither of them is pleasant. Don't abstain, just be careful.

7. Peaches are extraordinary this year as are blackberries. Enjoy. Experiment.

8. Use number 7 and invite your friends over for a new kind of dinner party, a Naked one. Now before you go unzipping the barn door, let me explain. Every person brings a whole, or "naked" ingredient, peaches, zucchini from their garden, locally raised beef, etc. Collectively create a menu using those ingredients plus only olive oil, salt and pepper. Fresh herbs and lemon juice are also acceptable. Savor summer with every delicious bite. Clothing is optional.

9. Play the Duck Pond at the local county fair.

10. Drink lots of lemonade, with or without making it an adult beverage, until the leaves start to fall.