Why such a hot start to summer?

It's no secret that summer is not my favorite season.

Especially this year, when I won't get to escape to Cape Cod ... and not because I wasn't invited. Circumstances just won't work this year.

So here I am, on the first day of summer, in sweltering heat that I hate.

Heat. Humidity. Sweat. Stifling weather.

Who needs it?

OK, there are a few benefits, such as the garden that mostly is due to the hard work of my daughter. I don't have a green thumb, so I can't take much credit. None, really.

But I enjoy it nonetheless.

So today, on the first day of summer, here are a few shots I snapped in and around her garden for you to enjoy.

And now that we've had the "longest" day, we'll start losing daylight again, as my one sun-loving friend keeps reminding me. 

Can't happen too fast for me. I'm already longing for cool autumn days and nights...

Clematis always is beautiful.

 A few potted plants brighten up the deck area...

 Tomatoes just beginning to form... fingers crossed.

The beautiful butterfly bush.... love those purple flowers.

RIP, Ray Bradbury

It's always difficult to hear the news of the death of someone you respected. Such was the case today when I heard the news of Ray Bradbury's death.
Surely everyone knows of him for such iconic writings as "Fahrenheit 451," "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and "The Martian Chronicles."
Of course there are so many more.
But one that I love may have gone unnoticed by many. It is "With Cat For Comforter."

It's a tiny book, beautifully illustrated by Louise Reinoehl Max, who is listed on the dust jacket as a Doylestown resident. It carries a 1997 copyright, and in the preface, Bradbury explains how the book came to be. And he notes, "How many cats have there been in my life? Not enough. But a rough figure would be 35 or 40."
The rest of that story is delightful.
But the book itself touches my soul.
"With cat for comforter,
How still the night."
Ray, you have stirred our imaginations. You have pricked our consciences.
You have moved millions with your writings.
And with this tiny book, you have comforted me.
May you be greeted by all your kitties as you cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Thanks, Ray...

Aren't weddings wonderful?

You gotta love weddings. All that hope and love and the future stretching out ahead.

It would be even more wonderful, of course, if they didn't fall on a hot, humid day at the end of May. But you can't have everything. 

My nephew's daughter got married on Memorial Day weekend and my daughter, Danielle was the maid of honor. 

Yes, it was hot  and yes, it rained a bit. But that didn't dampen the spirits of the bride and groom, Mandy and Matt. 

And we had a great time watching them just be so darn happy. May their future be long and bright!!

Here are a few photos from the day ... enjoy!

The happy couple with her father and stepmother.

Yep, that's me and Danielle.

Yum!! Delicious cupcakes!