Summer is at it's height. Our gardens are a joy to see, a joy to wander through picking peas, lettuce, carrots, and beets. Our Swiss Chard is almost overwhelming, we use it in most meals, both because we love it, and to avoid letting it get away from us. The tomatoes are big and green and growing, the summer squash is almost ready to be picked and cooked up with butter and sage. The days are long and hot adn rich with possibilities. The deer flies are dying off and the evening sky is full of dragon-flies.

There is nothing to compare with summertime - all around me the earth is screaming out life and energy. It's an addictive, holiday feeling. I struggle order my life within it - not spend all my time carelessly, as I used to spend my money.

We have a week to go until the whole family is up visiting, and having us out to the cabin they rented on the lake. It'll be different, nice, and very social: not only my own family, but my sister-in-law and her family will be up, staying nearby. So many people, so much to say and do together. So much to get back to when they all go home and we are alone again on our land. This summer is a time rich with blessings.