Hot and Sticky and Sweet

What a month! Like the majority of Newfoundlanders, I don't have an air conditioner as there usually isn't much need: our summer temperatures normally sit around 20-24℃ (70-75℉) with perhaps 2-3 days of high heat. But like the rest of the world, we are experiencing extremely high temperatures (30sC / high 80sF). And as I'm mostly made of sugar, jelly, BS & asthma), I can't function in hot weather. I have at least 1 fan for every room. But most of the time, I'm just sitting on my couch with 3 fans pointed at me. Two are fairly new. But the one that does the best job is a old yellow metal 1960's model I bought at a recent yard sale. Although she sounds like a jet engine, man! Can she blow! Here's a depiction of me relaxing in front of the fan:

Trying to read captions on Netflix as I can't hear a thing over the sound of Old Yeller!

Before the really high heat struck, strawberry season happened and I went to a local U-pick. With the addition of some rhubarb, I froze some, made jam, tarts, muffins, a cobbler and a failed but still tasty cake. Yummy!

But one of my favorite things to preserve for winter is rhubarb/strawberry syrup. You simply add a little water to rhubarb & strawberries (I use a 4-1 ratio R to S), add some sugar to your taste (mine is slightly tart), stew this, strain into bottles; and when you're ready to use, pour over ice and add sparkling water (on a 1 to 3 ratio or to your taste). [Tis' also grand added to a G'n'T😜] And it's such a wonderful hit-of-summer in the middle of winter!

I have managed to walk the brook path most every day (which someone has named Rusty's Run) as long as I go early morning or just before sunset. The bugs can be a bit fierce, but it's always cooler, quieter and so serene in amongst the trees and ferns. 

  

Temperatures this week are supposed to be slightly lower, but now the humidity has begun to set in!  So, I shall have to endure the roar of Old Yeller for a while yet.

Stay cool and hydrated, my friends. Namaste!

Welcome to July!

My apartment is painted, and just about everything has been put back in place.  I did some fun tweaking and added some summery cushions and a throw. (Now my area rug doesn't quite 'go' with everything ..... so do I need a summer carpet?) Hmmm! I shall be scouring the thrift stores and FB marketplace.

The weather has been what I consider perfect with temperatures mostly in the mid 20's (80's). I've finished working on the community garden, and it looks so lovely! The Peonies are in full blossom, and the Roses, Lillies and Foxglove are ready to open any day. Summer has finally reached Newfoundland.

Canada Day was a fun day with family and their friends' families; there were lots of happy, sticky children, laughter and great food. I spent most of the day in the pool repeatedly catching my 2 yr old dare-devil grandson who would recite "Weddy, Set, GO!" and then jump off the side into my arms. Hahaha! My arms ached so much. 

Although the black flies can be a challenge, I'm still walking brookside every day, and I love watching the changing flora and fauna. Things change on a daily basis. One day, the path itself was strewn with white and yellow pollen -- like confetti at a wedding. The next week, the ferns were covered with fallen blooms from the trees. The ditches are full of color! Purple Lupins & Vetch, yellow somethings, Oxeye daisies and bright, beautiful reddish/orange Fireweed.

I almost always bring home a bouquet. 

Today will be in the high 20's; so it's a picnic and swim day with my eldest daughter and wonderful 10 yr old grandson. Being a grandma is one of the best things about aging for me!

Namaste y'all! Stay cool and hydrated, and seek out the small joys!