Here in the Midwest, we measure summer by the weather, not the calendar. Memorial Day weekend and the end of school indicate summer for many. The rise of the thermometer into the 80's and 90's indicates it for others.
However, since today is officially the first day of summer, I would like to take a moment to reflect on ways to spend the longest day of the year a la David Letterman.
Here are the Top Ten Ways to Celebrate the First Day of Summer at the Nelson-Atkins.
10. Grab a picnic, a friend, a dog, a Frisbee, a book or just your self and be one with nature in the Kansas City Sculpture Park.
9. When you get tired of sweating, go inside the Museum to enjoy a cool drink in the Museum Cafe.
8. Enjoy the sunset as it reflects against the Bloch Building.
7. Watch enviously as the ducks swim around the reflecting pool that contains Walter De Maria's One Sun/34 Moons.
6. Sit in the Bloch Building lobby and watch the light change as clouds drift by overhead.
5. Stand in the Museum's parking garage and watch the light dance from the reflecting pool above.
4. Wait for the lights to come on the Bloch Building and stay as out late as you want.
3. Keep track of all the works of art that contain snow, water, sunshine or all of the above.
2. Walk on the roof of the Bloch Building and reflect on the fact that you are standing above priceless works of art.
And the number 1 way to enjoy the first day of summer at the Nelson-Atkins:
1. We're open until 9 p.m.