I am Glad for Summer

~ rabbitpatchdiary.com

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It rained all day long at the rabbit patch yesterday.  The rain fell gently and steadily, like a  long, sweet song.  It has been a long time, since such a day has passed.  There wasn’t a bit of harm in the soft, gray clouds.  They were friendly and generous.  A light, cooling breeze blew all day and didn’t even disturb the loose tin on  the old barn.  

I was busy all day, in spite of the rain.  I painted four flowerpots and filled them with herbs.  This seemed to quiet the complaining thyme.  Next, I painted flowers on two buckets.  If a bucket can be considered “cute”,  mine is.  I repaired the old drawer, and frankly surprised myself with that feat.  I am awful with tools. of any sort.  Of course, there was a supper to cook, as well.  I decided to have an especially nice meal,as  a rainy day, does afford the luxury of “light duty chores”.  

How nice, that several of my favorite old movies were on, yesterday.  I started with “Gaslight’, after that, “The Man Who Came to Dinner”  and the grand finale, was “Arsenic and Old Lace”.  I drifted in and out of the den, while they played.  This bothered, me little, as I have seen them all a dozen times.  I did some of the painting, in the den.  What a wonderful morning, I thought.

Today, is the “official first day of summer” here. That rings true for me, as we had fresh squash, tomatoes and cucumber salad, for supper last night.  Thankfully, Mama shared  what she had, with us.  Kyle was especially glad, it had rained, as he knows my habit of cooking, on such days. When the kitchen smells, like a garden-it is summer.  There are other indications, as well.  The stars have increased in number in the night sky- and wild honeysuckle vines cover old fences and act like  garlands for the woodland trees.  Honeysuckles have a pleasant smell, and most every southern child has drank nectar from their blossoms.  

 The “Farmers’ Almanac”  has predicted a cooler season, than usual-and they are dependable forecasters.   This does not hurt my feelings a bit.  I have felt every bit as housebound in July,  as I have in January.   I do well, until it is 100 degrees and high humidity-in that case I wilt.   A country woman rises early under such conditions.  I was often in the garden by six am, and canning in the afternoon.  I have also canned at midnight, so the house wouldn’t get so heated.  Oddly,  I may miss my summer schedule, this year-but I am gladly willing to try a normal life.

Every chance I get, I go out to see if the bees  that have claimed the barn, are still angry-so far they are.  It takes a fair amount of bravery to go in the barn these days. They sting through clothing and can sting multiple times.  I almost swatted a butterfly, while under one attack.  He flew by at precisely, the wrong time.  I was so thankful to see him rise above the commotion unscathed.   Kyle has  mostly finished his work . All that is left  for him, is putting in a few new boards.  Of course there is also the job of removing the old wood .  I will start on that tomorrow.  I hope to paint the awning tomorrow, too.  On Friday, I am leaving  for Elizabeth City. 

I love the careless days of summer.  The sun is the only clock, at the rabbit patch, when it is summer.  Work, rest and play get their proper turns and I can devote my attention, mostly where I please.  Wealth is often measured in dollars, but for me, I  think owning your life is  a far superior alternative.  I have always held that notion and preached it to my children.    Of course, when the roof leaks and a barn commences to sag, money is necessary-and there is always the electricity bill.  In some way, summer balances the accounts . . and at least in summer, I am very wealthy.

Dear Diary, It is summer and in summer, I am glad for the rambling honeysuckle.  I am glad for the time when the sky fills up with stars.  I am glad for tomatoes and porches with geraniums.  When hours are counted by the way light falls and shade increases, then it  is summer . . .and I am glad.

 

 

 

18 thoughts on “I am Glad for Summer”

  1. I too love the slower feel to summer, of course, it’s busy, but the warmth and extra sunshine just make it move slower or something. Of course, I home educate my children, so I have a much lighter schedule in that regards in the summer. Are you getting a Farmer’s Almanac currently? I’d like to subscribe to one, if there are still those out there. I love reading them! It has been cooler here also, we usually have quite a bit of humidity here in the summer months. I’ve been leaving the windows open and I just adore the breeze. I can’t wait to check out those movies you mentioned. I don’t watch a lot of television or movies, because in my free time I always want to be reading, but I really do love vintage or older-style movies. I’ve been curious if you enjoy reading and what sorts of books are your favorite? I know that we have a mutual friend in Gladys Taber. Just so love reading here! Amy

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  2. Nice post. Sounds as if the Rabbit Patch is beginning to improve and perhaps the work will end soon. Funny how we can watch some movies over and over and never tire of them. Have done much gardening in the early morning and much canning late into the evening.

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  6. Southern city women also wilt a bit in the heat of our summers. (Not that Williamsburg, VA, is a big city, but sandwiched between Richmond & Norfolk we are almost citified suburbs.) With my red hair, I wilt ALOT, like today traipsing about outside from place to place. Cool ice tea in the shade, please! Have a blessed time in Elizabeth City (& stay cool!) Virginia 🙂

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  7. I bet summer at the Rabbit Patch is a slice of heaven on earth. I keep trying to convince my husband we need to get bee hives at our place. Only problem is…he welts up fiercely with bee stings so I am guessing no bees for me.
    Right now I can tell our summer is official….the fire flies are out in force the last evenings. The field looks like a Christmas field of twinkling lights.

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    1. ahhh-then it is summer in Iowa. My dad is a beekeeper and is rarely stun-but the barn bees are not the sweet honeybees-they are hateful and will chase you! they are awful ! I know the field is lovely! thank you=when will I get caught up on my reading???

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  8. I love summer, it’s my favorite season. Funny you should mention the added stars, as I was saying goodnight to the Universe the other night I noticed how many more stars were in the sky…then I noticed a lightening bug right outside my window. I watched him as he kept flashing, then he flew into the willow tree and I could see him like a lighthouse and to top off my night before bed I saw a shooting star…yes I made a wish! Enjoy your summer clock, honeysuckle, fresh foods and family! xo

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