After our cool late spring, the fragrant purple lilac bloom is past, the pink peonies are spent and the colorful iris have given up the ghost as well with the arrival of blazing temperatures accompanied by high winds this weekend. Summer appears to be truly upon us and already oppressive if defined by this weekend’s weather; I spent it indoors and will be lucky to get my flowers watered this evening. It makes me happy I have reading, writing and weaving to keep me occupied inside as the hot wind pummels us out here at the lake. I did take my annual trek to the peony farm on one of the hot humid days this past week so had numerous vases of peonies to keep me company through the weekend. They are all losing their petals but I love them so much I can’t bear to throw them away. Both my rhubarb and asparagus have bolted and I see my bleeding heart is now minus hearts. On the plus side, my hydrangea has some small orbs forming which may bloom by the end of the month. Not sure about last year’s gladiola bulbs but my new ones are doing well. I only had to replace one tomato plant and my greens are coming along although black flea beetles ate holes in my arugula and kale and I think they are toast.
Another sign summer is upon us is that my first robin fledglings left their porch nest this weekend. I know that’s a good thing but I am always al little sad when they leave. Fortunately, mama will return soon with her second clutch and be back to scolding me every time I use the front door. The orioles have already cleaned me out of a jar of grape jelly although I am still waiting for the little yellow finches to find their way to the thistle seed. I’m also waiting for my first fawn sighting.
Now that the water level on the lake is down it seems the lake weeds are thriving. My mower guy sprayed the weeds growing in the driveway and I have turned on my irrigation system to keep the grass green. I think the farmers have finally finished planting so maybe it‘s time for another rain storm which the current front could easily bring.
I was fortunate to be asked to join a carload of ladies going to the Minnesota Quilt Fair in St Cloud this week. Boy, there are some talented quilters out there but I am only good for one lap quilt or wall hanging a year. My weaving coach/mentor was here last weekend to help warp my loom for a summer rug weaving project. My goal is to weave one rug a week which should yield about 16 rugs by the end of September. If anybody out there is interested in handwoven wool rugs let me know!