August scenes...

Rain, humidity, heat -- that's been the theme for August so far.
I keep hoping that September will be better, but some forecasts say it will be a very warm autumn.
Sigh...
I can only dream of cooler days and nights while snapping a few more summer scenes.

August is here...

Can you believe it's August already?
I'm sure the kids who will be heading back to school later this month are none too happy about that.
But those days are LONG behind me ... I have a trip to look forward to in August, so that certainly makes me happy.
And since I'm not a huge fan of the heat and humidity, August means we're another month closer to autumn!
But Othercat seems pleased with any day he can be outside in pleasant weather, so we took a stroll around the yard today to offer a few photos at the start of this new month.

End of August...

It's almost Labor Day weekend. Hard to believe, but I'm not sad.
I am SO looking forward to autumn.
I know more hot weather is on the way, but I can dream.
And so, a final salute to August...

HOT day!

In the midst of all the heat being generated by the political conventions -- and the actual hot weather -- we may not be too motivated to get outdoors.
But a quick walk through the garden always lifts my spirits.
Hope you will enjoy as well...

It's hotter than...

Back when I was in high school, LONG before the days of air-conditioned schools (or very much of anything air-conditioned, for that matter), I had a teacher who would complain about the temperature in his classroom by roaring, "It's hotter than HADES in here!"
That was, of course, his polite way of saying it was hotter than hell...
And we've been through a hellish week... some would say a hellish summer.
So here are a few photos to help you cool off ... and prepare you for when we start complaining about the COLD weather!

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.

Cool off with snowflakes

Let's face it -- it's too hot to live.
And everyone is trying to find ways to cool off.
Here's a different way...


If you don't know Wilson Bentley, look him up and check out his wonderful productions!
Another reason to love Vermont!

It's hot... just chill!

If you're smart today, you'll just chill out.
Take it from my cat Marmi, it's the best thing to do



She was kind enough to pose for this "demonstration" photo of how to relax on a hot day, for those of you not familiar with the practice.
But really, Montgomery County has issued a Code Red alert because of the high heat and humidity. So stay out of the sun, drink plenty of water, seek out air conditioning, don't be outside exercising and check on elderly neighbors, friends and relatives.
Oh, and Marmi said, make sure your pets are cool as well -- and pampered!

Cool off with a chuckle

It's hot.
When I was in high school, one teacher used to state matter-of-factly: "It's hotter than Hades in here."
That sentiment rings true today... and tomorrow will be even hotter.
So enjoy Simon's cat, chuckle and cool off...