It has been an exemplary summer, one reminiscent of the summers of my youth. Long, languid and lazy days blending into each other, punctuated by the enticing smells of backyard barbecues and the sound of crickets late into the evenings. The lanai has become a combination living room, kitchen and cocktail lounge, offering the best view in town and the sweetest of air perfumed by drapes of alyssum, lemon geranium, pots of basil and a lavender hedge. Winter may come but I'm not going to go down without a fight, and I have already ordered some cheerful spring bulbs to start next year off right. The cycle never fails to bewitch me.
This flawless summer canvas was perfected by a cast of loved ones. For the first summer ever we have reveled in visits from our siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, here are several thousand for the taking, beginning with, of course, the grandkids.
Miss Sarah Johns, in all her fabulous and fiesty finery:
Master William Hewlett, ready to rock 'n roll through his day:
The fabulous and funny Fosters:
Lisa and Peter in Jasper, just last weekend:
Of course, the past few months have held a few challenges as well, including Rick, "the old stoner" recovering from his adventures and slowly convincing his shoulder to go back to full duty, most importantly, on the golf course.
Then there was this brave warrior:
Despite many trips to the hospital, one of which was in the scrambulance, he kept his humour and his optimism at the forefront and I am pleased to report Ted will resume his rightful place on the links next week. Whew.
Life comes with ups and downs and many challenges, and the older we get the more we recognize that the art of staying in the moment is much easier to do when you are surrounded with wonderful family and friends. Living in a state of gratitude is a gateway to grace and although that can be daunting on some days, I really believe it is the foundation of happiness. Life is too good to do anything less. Love and eternal blessings to you all.