Summer is Asserting Itself!

Summers in the Pacific Northwest have a tendency to be mild..even a little wimpy. Mostly it feels like spring in other parts of the country with a few half-hearted attempts at summer. This year summer has decided that this is its year to shine...pun intended. No more Mr. Niceguy, mamby pamby kind of warm but mostly cool summers for us....no, summer in the Pacific Northwest has taken a stand and decided it wants to be like summer everywhere else. Strong, long and sizzling! While my baking and cooking is suffering for it, the veggie garden is loving it and scratching its veggie head wondering where this heat has been hiding all these years.
Like this corn with it's pretty soft silk.



I normally barely have fruit set on my tomatoes at this time of the year, but in this hotter than normal summer they are already getting ripe. I'm loving it!


Green beans and onions are prospering as well


The sun worshiping flowers are in their element, like these Black-eyed Susans.


Cone flowers


Daylilies


Even these oriental lilies don't seem to be suffering


This hot looking zinnia feels right at home


And the bee balm and phlox aren't complaining much


This sunny tiger lily is happy enough mingling with the feverfew.


And this cute little mini rose, which may or maynot be called Charlie Brown, is having a second flush of bloom in this heat spell.


And more Zinnias, thinking the temperature is just right






And more phlox just phloxing away


Another little mini rose looking like it's feeling no pain


This little fishie, however, is eying the water longingly


I too am struggling......but summer in the Pacific Northwest is about to be put back in it's place. Highs in the 70s are on their way. At least that's what the National Weather Service is promising. Fine by me...I think summer has gotten a little too big for it's britches! Anything that gets between me and my kitchen is skating on thin ice....if only there were any ice to be had in these temps! Our meals have been light..sandwiches, take out, salads, etc. Enough already!!! Give me hearty, baked, simmered and sauted meals. Until then I've been spoiling myself with figs, imported cheese & meat and french bread!


If I have to eat light and cool then may as well be the best :-)

Here's my tribute to the Summer Heat..may it rest in peace soon! Join all of the other mosaic makers for Mosaic Monday over at Little Red House