Summer

Struggling with this heat wave for the past several days. Luckily we finally installed AC/dehumidifier units in our home in RI. We are in the (very slow) process of updating and renovating our home. The kitchen and one bathroom were done in the past 1 1/2 years and we are now replacing all the windows. It's a process to be sure. My book group met in June for our annual potluck and summer reading suggestions. There were many and I have a group of books to choose from if I run out of ideas. I finished the latest Maisie Dobbs book which was very good. I read a YA book (Red Berries White Clouds Blue Skies) which I found to be very timely as it was about a young Japanese-American girl in CA at the time the US is bombed by Japan (Pearl Harbor) and the government rounded up all the Japanese in CA considered to be threats to US security. The similarities to the current madness were disturbing and distressing. I am now reading White Chrysanthemum a story set in WWII Korea (occupied by the Japanese) and present day Korea (Seoul). I am walking very early in the mornings, to beat the heat. I usually walk about 5 miles. The last few mornings have been very foggy which burns off by late afternoon.

The local farmer was busy yesterday baling hay. The same morning this little fellow crossed my path.

And I usually see a bunny or two. My lilies have survived! Chicken wire to the rescue and so far the deer, bunnies, woodchucks, and chipmunks have left them alone!!

This morning after walking, and breakfast, I decided to finish cleaning our teak chairs. We have 10 and they all needed to be cleaned ( washed, cleaned with teak cleaner, rinsed, wiped with teak brighter and rinsed again). Very exhausted right now. Plus with the heat- Phew! Stay cool!