Here in southeast Alaska we're in the middle of summer. Meaning it has cooled off again- down to the middle 50s, from the upper 60s- and the rains have been back since July 4th. Doesn't sound much like backyard barbecue weather, does it.

However, the flowers are in full, brilliant bloom and the grass is lush and green. The lilacs have just finished, astilbe and columbine are thriving, phlox in all its many colors is taller and brighter than I've ever seen it, on every hillside and dale, foxglove is blooming and stands about 4 feet tall now, on its way to 7 or 8 feet, petunias and pansies are in riotous color, nasturtium are budding and bachelor button is past its prime, day lilies are gorgeous yellow, scenting the air with their grapey, lemony, vanilla-y smell, the asiatic lilies are coming on; in the flower beds I have calendula,impatiens and geraniums.

Salmon are spawning and the eagles and sea gulls are in hog heaven; we are aware that if you don't want to meet bears it's not a good idea to go into the woods right now, especially next to a spawning stream.

Summertime- and the livin' is easy.

Ebbie