People do not like hot weather. Judging by the level of air cooling that takes place in public spaces around town, they'd much rather be too cold than too warm. I have to agree that heat and humidity are a killer combination. I certainly wouldn't like to be stuck outside for a day of both. Nonetheless, if you have the luxury of controlling your outdoor time (and I do), and if you have the luxury of air conditioning in your house, which you can also control (we do, and we keep it at 77F/25C), then I feel a summer season isn't complete unless it delivers for you a string of very warm days. We are at 91F/33C right now and I have to admit it -- I like it!
Sure, the mornings can be tough, because I absolutely have to wear long sleeves to avoid most of the bug bites when I work outside. Both mosquitoes and chiggers are at play, and I'll say this -- chigger nibbles have to be the worst, because the itch lasts forever. We're talking very many days of pink bumps in inopportune places!
But once I shed my sweatshirt, I really do like the feel of warm air. Of sunshine. Of light summer breezes nudging at you as you take a stroll between fields of flowers.
This morning, I snipped lilies reluctantly. The sweatshirt, sure, there was that. But, too, we had had a heavy downpour in the early hours and everything was droopy and wet. The phloxes suddenly keeled over and the dense foliage of all plants soaked my shoes, my shorts, my hands. (I've given up on gloves. My hands get dirty anyway so why bother.)
My lily total stood at 653. That's a little higher than yesterday. I'm hoping that it's an anomaly. I'd like to get down to under 500 for the rest of the month.
The flower fields do look great after they're cleaned up. The frogs are enjoying their colorful perches, the wet petals sparkle with drops of rain, the bees circle around my hyssop plants.
Summer, at her finest.
With breakfast outside.

I've gotten to like the small Wednesday farmers market downtown. Natalie comes to it and she has great corn.

At this time of the year, there are some pretty cool flower bouquets. Which two should I pick?

I've rediscovered Rosie (my moped). It's perfect for a quick trip downtown. Easy to park, cool to ride, especially on a classic summer day.

Home again...
And where are the kids, you ask? Busy with their summer program, giving me a few days' break, just when I need it most. Obliging little guys!
(In delivering flowers requested by my daughter to Sandpiper's preschool, I once again hop on Rosie. This thrills Sandpiper no end!)

(Back home, in the golden light of a gorgeous summer evening)

So have I become a total convert? Have I turned my back to a love for all four seasons? No, I haven't. But in July, I'm still reveling in the feel of summer. Not tired of it yet! Not even a little!
with love...