Summer Solstice
By the time the rhododendrons bloom pink along the Parkway, by the time the orange daylilies line the dirt road to town; it feels more like midsummer than summer’s first day. The fireflies are already here. The tomatoes are not far from red. I’m already in flip flops and my sundress with palm trees floating on magenta islands in Caribbean blue rayon.
By the time I’m picking yellow crookneck squash and squishing squash bug eggs from the underside of their leaves, by the time I’m wading through rows of corn almost as tall as I am, and admiring the blossoms of zinnia planted from seed; it feels more like midsummer than the summer’s first day. I’ve already eaten my first handful of blueberries, rinsed pool water out of my bathing suit, painted my toenails burgundy wine, and booked my flight to Massachusetts in time for my brother Joey’s 4th of July cookout.
Post note: “I have a secret” is the theme of this weekend’s Sunday Scribblings. Can you guess what secret I revealed in the above? Meanwhile, THIS is a fun clip from the old TV show called "I've Got a Secret."
Comments
Fireflies' sole purpose for lighting is mating. What a surprise, eh? Hopefully you'll enjoy a long summer. I'm a winter guy, myself.
p
here via michele
Posted by: prego | June 23, 2007 12:58 PM
Hmmmmmm. What secret you revealed??? Well, I haven't got a clue! But I LOVE that picture, my dear and the description of all the wonderful things growing in your Veggie Garden....!
I love your last sentence to me in the comments---you have such a positive view of things Colleen....In five years, NONE of those people will be there and there will be ALL new people.....This is Los Angeles, and they truly made an exception for me which I was told about three times! But you know what? I'm not going to worry about five years from now....I'm just going to bask in the wonderefulness of "right now"....LOL!
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | June 23, 2007 3:17 PM
Happy Midsummer.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | June 23, 2007 3:38 PM
Could it be that you are going to surprise your brother by appearing at his cookout, and this is your secret?
Posted by: bonggamom | June 23, 2007 3:39 PM
A fun clip.........that was ridiculous. He wasn't even playing any instruments.
Posted by: Sherry | June 23, 2007 7:59 PM
That is beautiful photo. Have fun at your brother's place.
I am no good guessing secrets
Posted by: gautami | June 23, 2007 11:38 PM
I don't know your secret, but the colourful description of your day is fun!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | June 24, 2007 3:43 AM
I am really baffled by the secret - I hope you are going to tell us?? Beautiful photo and a lovely post.
Posted by: Gill | June 24, 2007 3:54 AM
The secret I revealed was that I'm going away to Massachusetts for 2 weeks. I hadn't mentioned it before. Also, I was writing this piece trying to use as many references to color as I could. I counted eight.
Posted by: colleen | June 24, 2007 9:44 AM
Have a wonderful time in Massachusetts :-)
Posted by: gill | June 24, 2007 10:27 AM
Two weeks in Massachusetts? What's the First Prize, ONE week in Massachusetts? (That's a very old Burbank, CA, joke...). Enjoy!
Posted by: Marion | June 24, 2007 10:41 AM
"Knee high by the fourth of July", the best grown corn...this was beautiful Colleen. Since this is the first summer since I left my house with its koi pond and garden, I enjoyed living vicariously through you!
Posted by: Kat Campbell | June 24, 2007 10:55 AM
This piece made me feel good. I knew I was going to enjoy myself when you mentioned daylilies, dirt roads and fireflies in the first paragraph. Have a wonderful summer.
Posted by: Annie | June 24, 2007 1:02 PM
Have a great trip! Summer Solstice is my favourite day of the year!! We have light until almost 10:00p.m.
Posted by: Ruth | June 24, 2007 5:18 PM
Happy Solstice! Sounds incredibly enjoyable where you are.
Posted by: Lisa | June 24, 2007 5:41 PM
It definitely feels like midsummer here, too. Way too hot for the first week of summer. Great colorful post!
Posted by: susan | June 25, 2007 11:42 AM
that rhododendron and pine shot is wonderful...your description is wonderfully summery...and have a great trip!
Posted by: Ampersand | June 25, 2007 3:16 PM