The Sweet Gifts of Summer

It's been very still and quiet here in the foothills this summer. 

Occasionally a mountain storm will roll through, 

bringing with it beautiful rainbows. 

The fields are golden and now it is harvest time

during these long, hot summer days. 

I love to stop at the local farm stand and treat myself

 and my Ramblin' Man when he is home. 

His job calls for frequent travel. 

I bring my own crates to fill, 

as it is easy to transport precious cargo 

in the back of my little gray truck this way. 

These are the sweet gifts of summer. 

Sun ripened tomatoes in a blue bowl

just make me so happy! 

Or fresh blueberries nestled in lemon pudding. 

Maybe with a little whipped cream on top? 

I can't get enough fresh fruit and veggies this time of year. 

Smoothies, cobblers, salads,....and my favorite lunch time treat -

tomato and lettuce sandwiches with mayo, 

with the tomatoes sliced thick and the whole wheat bread toasted. 

Sprinkled with a little salt and pepper - 

oh, I just love to bite into them! 

There are so many sweet things about summer.

Flowers, herbs.... 

and sitting outside in the fresh air. 

Butterflies....

and birds. 

Here I have captured two, a Dark-Eyed Junco keeping watch over 

a Bald Eagle flying by. 

An American Crow surveying his territory...

And a Grosbeak serenading us with his beautiful song. 

These are peaceful, lovely days - a time to relax

and replenish as we forget the harsher seasons

of life. 

A time to gather strength and renew

as we harvest these sweet gifts of summer. 

As we spend these lovely, light filled days together, 

these golden hours remind us how precious each moment is. 

The shadows lengthen as we end each day

with gratitude for these many gifts, 

And as the moon rises high above the silent, ancient mountains, 

We count our blessings in the silvery light. 

xoxo

Thank you, Dear Friends for all of your wonderful comments on my last post. 

I so enjoyed reading your stories and learning a little bit more about your lives and experiences. 

Although this world is changing and many families and friends are separated by time and distance, 

isn't it great to know that we can keep in touch instantly through technology? 

I am always amazed at mankind's ingenuity to make this world a better place.

xoxo

I will be taking a little break for a couple of weeks, 

as my son and his sweetheart are getting married

next week! 

I will catch up with you all when I get back. 

Wishing you all many lovely gifts of summer. 

xoxo