Summer has entered in grand style bringing with her ample heat, and sun, breezes and humidity; all the hallmarks of her famous attributes, all of which we yearn for during the long winter months. With that heat and humidity, a kind of sense of lassitude sets in, even Jackie and Jillie feel lethargic, more inclined to loafing than living. Early enough in the morning they're receptive to going out to the backyard to loaf there while I putter about pulling weeds and assessing what needs to be staked and what has just emerged.

 

Early this afternoon a serviceperson came by from the municipality. We had been advised several weeks ago that the city was in the process of changing water meters in houses, and were given an appointment date. We were informed that our water would be shut off for up to three hours; a dismal prospect. As matters turned out, the person who arrived took no time at all. He was no more than 30 minutes at the changing of the meter and since in our house there were valves at the meter there was no need to turn the water off entirely.

 

Later in the afternoon it was time for our ravine stroll through the forest trails. With the heat buildup, even with a good steady breeze, it felt hot enough to recklessly wear shorts and a sleeveless top; that was me, Irving sensibly wore a long-sleeved light cotton shirt. Luck was with us, the breeze kept mosquitoes at bay and we were able to enjoy our foray through the trails without the necessity to slap them off.

 

It was very warm though despite the relief given us by the forest canopy, blocking and filtering out the sun's rays. So we took our time, enjoying every minute, looking about us at one landscape after another, familiar and dear to us, each turn of the trail bringing us to another aspect of the forest each with their unique features.

 

We wound up our circuit with a meander through the forest pollinating meadow. Daisies, fleabane, clover and thimbleberries all in flower. We even noted a proliferation of milkweed beginning to go into their flowering stage, but no butterflies. There were bees though, on the thimbleberry blossoms so the meadow serves its purpose and eventually the butterflies will arrive. 

 

Back home again, back out to the garden again, to do a little more weeding, and watering and just to enjoy the privilege of having so many beautiful plants around us, their colour and forms sending gentle kisses to our hungry eyes. We're forever astonished at the capacity of plants to grow so quickly when the right conditions prevail. Each year we tell ourselves that everything is flowering and maturing earlier than usual.