I’ve associated summer with Jimmy Buffett for as long as I can remember. I think it goes back to when the Central Church college and career group used to go on trips to Panama City Beach back in the late 90s. There were always two guys set up on the beach who played nothing but Jimmy Buffet songs.

So now every single time I hear any Jimmy Buffett song, I automatically remember those halcyon days. Plus, just about every Jimmy Buffett song has to do with summer things like beaches and oceans and tropical locations.

I suppose you could listen to Jimmy Buffett songs in winter, but to me that feels like listening to Christmas music in July. It seems out of place . . . out of season. It’s almost as bad as crossing the streams in that Ghostbuster movie.

Tonight, I caught the A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band in concert at Crockett Park. The main vocalist did sound quite a bit like Jimmy and they had all the old songs down pat. Once again, I felt the need to go where I can smell salty ocean air and feel wet sand between my toes. Some place where I can watch the sun set over the ocean and fall asleep to crashing waves.

I may be speaking sacrilege, but I feel like summer’s only fun if you have immediate access to an ocean or a lake or a pool. Otherwise, it’s just hot and muggy for no good reason. The older I get, the less I can tolerate hot temps, so I yearn for the cooler weather of fall. But give me an ocean within walking distance and I am suddenly summer’s biggest fan.

So some time between now and June 21, don’t forget to leave out margaritas and cookies for Jimmy.