September 18 thoughts while sitting outside and enjoying the break we’ve gotten the past few weeks from the usual high-90s / low 100s temps typical for this time of year:

* The pool is down to 81 degrees and feels, well – dare I say – almost chilly. I can see why people in Arizona say you only use your pool between May and September, and every pool supply place has these big mama heater units standing watch outside. Ah, it’s all relative, isn’t it? If the ocean at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester were 81 degrees it’d feel warmer than toast and there wouldn’t be a spot on the beach to be had.

* Right on cue, the local Fry’s had the first cases of Samual Adams Octoberfest. My favorite beer in all the world, and I savored it in a freezer-chilled Coastal Extreme Brewing Company (sorry, no link – their website is down) Newport Storm pint glass. Wonderful. And I’m not alone in that assessment – Brian’s Belly concurs.

* Which reminds me, we’re only two months away from the arrival of Samuel Adams’ Winter Lager, which is no slouch either. It just feels weird to be drinking a “winter lager” around here when there’s no winter.

* Boy, you can tell all the restaurants, merchants and golf courses around here are just counting those days down on the calendar. In just a few weeks the snowbirds from the Dakotas, Minnesota and the Midwest will start trickling down here and priming the business pump.

* When it comes to surfing the ‘net, (to quote the old Beach Boys hit) “I’m getting bugged driving up and down the same old strip, I’ve gotta find a new place where the kids are hip”. So, I found this nice blog (thanks, Anchoress!). Well designed, soothing to the eyes, and eclectic and thoughtful in its content – what more could one want?

* And I like Big Lizards as well – here, they’re keeping a close eye on the political doings jez’ a little further south o’ here. Definitely worth a look, and tell ’em you said hi.

* I was gonna blast Michelle Wie for her continued struggles trying to make the cut in a men’s professional tournament but thought the better of it. But why pile on, I ask? Besides, with monster numbers like the 77 and 81 she put up at last weekend’s 84 Lumber Classic, she’d be perfect for next year’s Goodboys Invitational. Warning to Michelle – if you’re even thinking about it, better bring your purse – “Vegas” Clark will have no problem taking your money.