If you’ve been paying attention to nature lately, you might have noticed that all the little birds born last spring have grown up. Over at the ever-popular Lake Street stoplight eagle nest, some eagle triplets have poked their heads out of their twig home. Sandhill crane colts have been strutting around town, stretching out their legs. Out on Beluga Lake, a slate-gray cygnet is learning the finer points of swan feeding.

In the context of You Know What, it seems kind of weird that when fledglings have started to take flight and head off on new adventures, our own children will soon return to school. Our fledging season is in May, not August. It just goes to show how weird humans can be compared to nature.

Oh, and the “s” word? Yes, the Betster wrote it. Back to school! You can’t deny it, kiddos. School starts in just a dozen days, on Aug. 23. Oh Em Gee. That’s less than two weeks to cram in all those fun summer activities you have put off. Swimming in the Kachemak Bay? A hike from Diamond Creek to Bishop’s Beach? Kayaking? Get cracking.

Meanwhile, we normal working schmos will do what we always do in balancing jobs with recreation: seize the day. If it rains on the weekend, get out your rubber boots and dance in the mud. On a cruise down the Spit the other day, even in a gentle summer drizzle, legions or tourists were out enjoying this little paradise at the end of the road. See? If a visitor can handle foul weather, so can we.

It’s always a great day here at Latitude 59 degrees and some change, so get out and enjoy the good times, perhaps with these Best Bets:

BEST GO ASK ALICE BET: Yes, that Grace Slick song actually was based on a 19th century children’s tale — but you knew that. See the Pier One Youth Theatre production based on the Lewis Carroll books “Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.” The Betster got a sneak preview this week, and boy is the show a lot of fun. “Alice in Wonderland” opens at 7:30 p.m. today at Pier One and continues Friday and next weekend. Tickets are $12 on sale at the Homer Bookstore or at the door.

BEST CRACKING ICE BET: You probably remember the great invasion scene when the Germans fall through the ice in the classic Russian film, “Alexander Nevsky.” Nyet? Well, the musical score by Prokofiev also is a classic. It’s part of a trio of Russian compositions performed in the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra’s gala concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Homer High School.

BEST UP IN FLAMES BET: Celebrate this most amazing summer with a big community beach bonfire starting at noon Sunday at the Mariner Park beach. There will be lots of silliness and a good Homer community time. Bring a load of firewood to share.

BEST ALL THAT JAZZ BET: Put on your white gloves and practice those jazz hands, because it’s showtime with Outrageous Jazz. Alaska’s finest jazz musicians return for two days (and two different sets) of jazz standards, Latin and blues. Outrageous Jazz is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at Pier One Theatre.

BEST GO WILD BET: If you’re looking for music a little bit more modern than Prokofiev, check out Wild Shore, performing in two concerts at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Bunnell Street Arts Center. The group of contemporary musicians includes Homer native Conrad Winslow. They play compositions selected in a national call for works that drew 160 entries. In other words ­— awesome. For more, see story, page 16.

BEST VOTE EARLY BUT NOT OFTEN BET: Oh, and don’t forget the big primary election next Tuesday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. In our local House District 31 race, it’s only Republicans on the ballot, so this is your only chance to vote on who will represent you in Juneau. See our coverage starting on page 1 for the details.