Hot days of July...

     We are definitely into the hot days of Summer here in our parts.  It is not my favorite thing about Summer, the heat.  So I get up as early as possible so that the windows can opened and I can enjoy the cool morning air as long as possible.  I drug everyone out of bed early Saturday morning just so we could take a walk down the hill and through town before it got to unbearable outside.  It was a wonderful way to start the day with my crew, even if they happened to bunny hop through one of the crosswalks in town.  Apparently their theory is that no one will hit a cute little bunny in a crosswalk, so they hopped all the way across the road.  I ignored them while rolling my eyes.

     We had a rather enjoyable 4th of July.  We woke up the sounds of hot air balloons all around our neighborhood.  One ended up landing on the street around the corner of our street.  I so wish I could get everyone to move that fast every day to get out the door or just to get the day going.  One can hope and dream.  At least hot air balloons can make that happen occasionally.  

     There was a casualty found in the greenhouse one afternoon.  A pretty swallowtail found its way into the hot little greenhouse and did not make it out before the heat got to it.  Very sad.  The girls now have it in a safe place so that they can look at it whenever they want.  If it weren't for the Asparagus plants that are doing splendidly in the greenhouse we would close it up for the season and not have to worry about little mishaps like this.  We are all on butterfly watch now.

     During this time of not so lovely heat we have been using the deck off my room a lot lately in the evenings.  It was a spur of the moment idea one cool early morning that made me get outside and finish off the "floor" of the deck after deliberating about it far too long.  After a quick couple of coats of paint, bringing up unused patio furniture, placing a brand new brightly colored umbrella in the perfect spot, and bringing up some plants, we were in business.  It has now become a favorite place for us to sit at the end of the day.  It's just perfect after the sun goes down behind the trees and houses.  The evening breeze makes it all the more better.  It has turned into the favorite reading and writing spot for us.

     Now I have to figure out how to turn some favorite casserole meals into skillet dishes because there is no way that the oven will be turned on in the afternoon around here.