We kept the bedroom window open last night, and a floor fan going, as well. Yes, we've got air conditioning. Very useful. It makes the basement level very cool, almost cold. We don't sleep in the basement, though we could, since Irving finished it decades ago. It's very comfortable on the first floor of the  house, though we keep it at a modest temperature. Jackie has discovered that the marble lintel of the fireplace -- absent use in these months -- offers a cool space for his hot little body. Jillie's selection of preference is under the coffee table.

The upstairs, top floor of the house has meagre benefit of the air-conditioning system. Hot air rises, so that while it's pleasant on the first floor, the second floor becomes a veritable steam-bath. In the winter months it's the reverse. So much for efficiency of HVAC systems when you live in a northern climate known to succumb to temperature extremes.

The open window allows us to hear the clear, sweet trill of the cardinal in the early morning. Sometimes robins, sometimes song sparrows. It also allows for light breezes to drift in, and the fan knows its purpose, shifting the breeze here and there; very pleasant. We had a good night's sleep. Jillie doesn't allow us to sleep in too late. Her short, sharp little barks inform us of her expectations and we oblige.

Downstairs, I set the table in preparation of breakfast, but we headed out the door before that event took place and made directly for the ravine. The day's heat hadn't yet begun to build up, and the forest canopy is somewhat more efficient than our air conditioning system, truth to tell. It was beyond pleasant to follow Jackie and Jillie through the forest trails. The sun was so all-consuming bright, even in places where it's mostly shaded, it's still bright enough to challenge vision.

Before we leave for our daily hikes through the ravine, in any season, any weather conditions, Irving checks the contests of his cookie bag to ensure he has enough to hand around. He carries small, round 'treat' cookies for small dogs like Jackie and Jillie, and large, bone-shaped cookies for large dogs. Mind, the large cookies can be broken for handout to small dogs, and a palm-full of small ones could do for a large dog.

When we finally turned to clambering up the last hill to the street an hour-and-a-half had passed, we were de-energized and were prepared to welcome our shower before breakfast. Before that, however, a rest-awhile in the garden on our return. A look-about and assessment of the conditions, whether too dry necessitating watering, but no, not today. Texture-wise, colour-wise, architectural-wise, we're satisfied. The garden will love the heat and the concentration of sun.