Even though the weather is hot for Edmonton, there are signs that summer will be coming to an end soon.
We are seeing lots of fresh vegetables and fruit in the Farmers Markets and peoples gardens.  The flowers in peoples gardens and yards are beautiful.  The Folk Festival and Fringe Festival are coming up.
Another sign of Autumn is the back-to-school flyers. 
I finally learned that it's best to buy quality after my children went through several backpacks each.  I would recommend buying backpacks from either Mountain Equipment Co op, which is Canadian,  or Eddie Bauer.  You will buy one backpack which will last for years.  Remember not to buy one that is too big because if it gets full, it will be much too heavy and may harm your child's back.

Soon, there will be lots of school supplies on sale.  One good place to buy supplies is Superstore and another is Staples.  Watch and compare prices and buy everything you need for the full school year because prices on such items as lined paper, folders and pencils will be very low for a short time.  Why pay $2.49 for lined paper in two months when you can buy all you need now for about $0.49 per package.

Make sure to take advantage of the abundance of fruit available now, because the season is short for many of these and the prices are good now.  Look for peaches, pears, plums, cherries and apricots.  Much of this is grown in B.C. and although it is more expensive at the Farmer's Market, the taste can't be beat.

You should take advantage of any good sales when buying clothes etc. for your children.  I heard that paarents spend more money at this time of year than at Christmas.  Children sometimes want all new clothes and the latest fashions, which can get very expensive.  One of my neighbors used to wait until after the first week of school and then ask her kids "What are the other students wearing and what is popular this year".  Then she did her back to school shopping.
Make sure you enjoy the rest of our all-too-short summer while you prepare your family for the business and excitement of a new school year.