THE HORSE IS BACK IN THE BARN

Mid-summer brings heat waves past, present, and future. Temps run into high 30's C, humidex in low 40's. With occasional heavy rains, one result is stress on the flora. The big spruce tree is oozing Cytospora canker, a gross blob that could be fatal.

But the blossoms keep blooming in their seasonal sequence. This week is pink holly hocks, purple Culver's root, and deep red crocosmia ( Welcome to Name That Plant 101...). So these days there's masses of bees, butterflies, and thirsty hummingbirds.

It's also the best year ever for the raspberry bushes. C'mon up and pick your own! They go on cereal, ice cream, impulse items, and especially pies and tarts. Tongue-twisting yummy...

Time for the latest news from the car addict. For years I've been perving this Mustang with a one-year only colour called Legend Green (extra rare is a tan top and interior). So a quick drive to picturesque Penetaguishene and Avela hands over her chariot! The Girl In The Pink Visor likes it too...

So, yes there's now 2 soft tops to choose from for an evening cruise. But the newbie looks good in any light. Two curious events around this car: First, it's well-known that my favourite is a 1964. So isn't it serendipity that the random plate I got is CRAV 064?? And then the colour, although Legendary, reminds me of a favourite fruit and country. Presenting the newest horse in the barn ---- Kiwi!!

SKY.FALL

Today is 51 years since the first man on the moon. The night before in 1969, I had been sleeping in the courtyard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In the morning I realized my pack and other stuff had been robbed! I arrived in Rome with mobs celebrating but in no mood to kiss an Italian...Where were  you??

Mostly its been hot and muggy. We have an awesome view of the sky in all its changes, and sunrises have varied from gauzy to rings of fire. Its so hot even the chipmunks are digging in. And the black cherries are ripening too fast for me to eat them all!

Indoors, the ceiling repair finally got painted. Pat stretched for the edges. I was bribed with a pan of perogies and then reached for the top. (After all that, the colour didn't match...stay tuned.)

We had to get away, even for a short staycation taking Sunny out for its first road trip. Down to quaint Niagara On The Lake for a picnic lunch. The USA is just across the river and Canada wants it to stay there these days. We revisited the sights like the awesome gorge, floral clock, historic Spanish aerocar, and the original POW Hotel (as in, Prince of Wales!).

But the main attraction is The Falls itself. Heat wave in the 40's C meant the top only went down early in the day or late. Much fewer crowds as tourism has been hit hard by the virus ---- 99.9% Canadians on the streets, but in as many colours as the rainbow in the mist.

Took the lonnnnng way home for a look at backroads southern Ontario. Huge acreage of corn and more soy bean than ever. Remnants of big tobacco fields and backbreaking kilns that my dad once toiled in. Fruit trees, asparagus, blueberries under cover, even swaths of swaying lavender. Truly Canada's garden.

This morning the sky is darkening again. C'mon thunderstorm!!

LOST AND FOUND

9 days of sweltering heat wave had withered plants and us too! Rain yesterday and clouds this morning found everything and everybody in better spirits...

That new chip pile cooked and steamed in the heat. Sweaty Guy dumped chips and rocks up the hill to earn his breakfast of ---- (see below).

Newly found in the gardens this week include mullein, hollyhocks, fleece flower, and basil that flourished in a container.

Also found and flourishing are sweet pea and birdsfoot trefoil (that yellow stuff).

Lost this season are apples (almost none) and pin cherries (small and few). But raspberries are coming on in quality and quantity.

In the pond, we have lost all our frogs but found new types of dragonfly. This one is a Black Meadowhawk.

For that morning meal mentioned above, the Occasional Cook found his inner Pancaker. It all comes back --- in stacks!

Returnees this season include young turkeys and bulk freighters shuttling in and out of the bay.

Sadly lost this year is my heartfelt run in Pamplona. The pandemic will spread its tentacles far and wide for a long time yet...

Hooray! Finally the arrival of our spirit butterfly! The monarchs have found the lavender and roses and milkweed at the end of their long journey --- or is it the start?