Mostly cool, early mornings, sometimes with just the scent of rain in the high country wafting down the slopes to the valley, teasing us with false promises.

High, dry, hot sunshine, gallant pansies, geraniums, and others proudly standing up to it, relishing in the energy, but sometimes looking a bit bedraggled from the high heat.

Busy, busy birds, esp. when we fill their bath with fresh water. They run sortees, just skimming over the tops of our heads, scolding us to hurry to fill it, then move away so they can feel safe in getting a drink or taking a dip.

Fresh fruit and veggie stands opening early (I always forget it is a long growing season here) with luscious peaches, apricots, cherries, tomatoes, etc.

Brilliant sunsets, long, hot evenings, the hum of the swamp cooler all day and night, thrown off covers on the bed, the cool blessing of a tepid shower at the end of the day.

Did I mention hot and dry?**bg**