With the flip of a calendar page and the start of September, we say good-bye to yet another summer. I have already a perceived an amplified buzz both on city streets and below them-the crowds have returned to the subway platforms.  West End Avenue has a steady stream of school buses and the street corners are decorated with school-bound children, some of them clad in the required plaid dress or mandatory white shirt and khakis; others wearing clothing of their own choosing or of their mothers.

Yes, summer is over and autumn is on its way and along with this changeover comes a palpable increase in activity. People are returning to their offices fresh from summer vacation wearing their “game faces” (albeit tanned) and ties, knowing that it’s back to the grindstone. (That’s maybe not the best idiom to use in a dental blog.)

The summer of 2014 is over. But, what an eventful summer it has been in our office! It all started with Barbara’s retirement at the end of June. This, of course, was preceded by months of preparation and interviews. Barbara was instrumental in helping me find her successor. And while I knew that I could count on her to leave me and the office in good stead, I am both excited and relieved that what could have been a harrowing gut-wrenching (my gut) experience has been more like a well- orchestrated dance, admittedly with some missed beats and missteps along the way.

I am thrilled to have Sandra Rolon on board as my new office manager and look forward to an enthusiastic collaboration committed to improving our ability to offer quality care in our characteristically caring manner.

As an aside, Sandra is the “go to person” should you have any questions about the practice, etc.

This summer also saw the completion of my first year of studies at NYU College of Dentistry’s dental implant program. It was nothing short of fantastic. I have gained far more than I ever could have anticipated and far more than the knowledge and surgical skills that I have acquired. Strangely, this is the first time in my life as a student that I was sorry to see classes end. Classes start up again on September 10^th…I’m so psyched.

Another big change that occurred this summer was assuming control of my entire office space. I now have more flexibility, more elbow room, and another room to hideout.

Thankfully, we had a very busy summer treating our patients while all this other stuff was going on. While it wasn’t a particularly hot summer, our new air-conditioning system worked like a charm and I feel that it’s far easier for my staff to wear sweaters than it is for me to turn up the thermostat.

In addition, FIOS has come to our building, so not only can you get WIFI, you can watch whatever you want during your visit (you can even control the remote)!

On a personal note, my wife and I celebrated summer’s end by  going on our first two-week vacation (alone!!!!) since 1986. Our last two-week vacation (with children) was fifteen years ago. No special occasion, just a deep sense that it was about time we indulged ourselves. (Besides, my skiing injury this winter dashed any plans for a winter getaway.)

We took a five-day gourmet bike tour through the Loire Valley in France. It’s really a brilliant concept: eat three meals a day (including an outrageous gourmet French dinner) totally guilt-free because you’re biking 35 miles per day. The countryside was magnificent with endless fields of sunflowers, vineyards and innumerable chateaux with otherworldly gardens. What was an unexpected and pleasant surprise was that Ann and I were the only ones on the tour (with the exception of our two guides)!

We then spent four days driving through the south of France. We ended up in Barcelona where we spent the rest of our trip. It was a very special and adventurous experience for both of us. It’s kind of nice to be able to hang out with your spouse 24/7 for fifteen days and truly enjoy each other’s company. Even after 32 years of marriage.

We also got our first three stamps in our new passports. Not that our expired passport had all that many more.

Summer is my favorite season. Summer vacations are simply the best. A vacation is an opportunity for a time out. It’s a chance to take a break from your day-to-day life, and experience something different. It’s also a chance to recharge the battery.

Surprisingly, two weeks eventually seemed like a long time to be away. By day twelve I was looking forward to my return home. Mind you, I wasn’t wishing my vacation was over…I was having a great time. I was just mindful and appreciative that while I was truly in the moment of being away and enjoying our time abroad, I enjoy my life back home.

So summer is over. I’m happy to be back in the office caring for my patients with my wonderful office staff. I am looking forward to working with my new office manager Sandra, and developing a close professional relationship with her for the betterment of my practice. And I can’t wait for school to begin (as an upperclassman no less).

It’s time to put on my game face….but then again, I never really took it off!