THE SUMMER OF CONTENTMENT...

 

Well, my friends, 

summer is here, 

and I feel like a cat on a hot tin roof!  

I'd better be careful using that explanation 

because I really don't remember

 what the movie was about, 

but the title sounds perfect for the way I am feeling.

  I'd much rather be

 that bird, sitting on that turtle, in that pond.

Things have been heating up around here.  

We have been in 

the high 90's and 100 degrees all last week, 

and the 4th of July is

 breathing down our necks.

I did a very small bit of decorating for Memorial Day

 so the red, white and blue has been hanging around 

waiting for the big day. 

 We actually have awhile until the holiday 

so there will probably be a bit more done

 but I don't think there is going to be much 

celebrating around here this year

 which is fine by me.

  The thought of going out 

is a bit much in this weather. 

 If I can muster up some porch sitting

 that is all the party that I need.

Speaking of porch sitting, 

the front porch is the perfect place to be

 in the early morning. 

 It is still cool enough to enjoy that first cup of coffee 

and to get those old rocking chairs a-moving

 doesn't take much effort.  

The scent in the air 

from dew on the grass

 is greatly appreciated...

...in the late afternoons, however, 

with the dappled sunlight coming through the shade trees, 

the screened porch is a welcoming place.  

We can still hear the neighborhood kids playing, 

and the dogs barking in the distance, 

but secluded there, as we are, 

behind the green of the ivy

 and the tangled secretness of the garden...

...we feel like this 

is almost as perfect as

 being that old bird, 

sitting on that old turtle, in that old pond.

We are hopeful that the pandemic is slowing down, 

although there are still some variants out there that need careful consideration, 

and a good double dose of vaccination.

 Things are starting to open up again,

I have come to the conclusion that staying home is 

not such a bad thing. 

 I look forward to a nice drive in the country, 

or a trip to Home Goods

 and, of course, seeing our kids and friends 

whenever we can, 

but I guess it is like the old saying,

 "You don't miss what you have until you don't have it", 

but now that we can have it again, 

I find that the contentment of home

 is still a pretty good feeling to have.

"I know a little cottage

Where everything's just right;

The windows bloom with tulips -

At dusk there's candlelight.

The knotted oak beside it

Is webbed with ivy leaves

And honeysuckle tangles

in clusters round the eaves...

...the friendly gate swings open

Against a low stone wall

Where quaint old fashioned blossoms

Design a Paisley shawl;

And up the winding pathway

The stones with moss are grown -

I love that little cottage

Because it is my own!

Virginia Wauchope Bass

Happy Summer Days everyone 

and hope all you dads out there

 had a wonderful Father's Day and

Happy Juneteenth!

...Judy...

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Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda