Summer is here - loud and clear! It's been hot and dry this week with just over a half inch of rain (0.60" and three Trace days). Most of us in eastern MA have met the three-day criteria of a heat wave and it ain't over yet (as they say). 
Drought conditions continue. While we are lower on the drought scale (low to moderate) we could use a few days of good soaking rain. 
Locally grown strawberries are ripening and are showing up at local farm stores. I am not alone in looking for them and was delighted to find some this week. Strawberries in June, blueberries in July - time to bring out summer recipes that highlight these treats while helping to support the local farmers. 
Rhododendron and azaleas have pretty much finished blooming. Columbines have also finished and are creating their seed pods for next year. Iris have also passed and doing the same. Roses are startung to bloom, and buds are showing up on clematis vines. Canna bulbs are sprouting their stalks for flowers in a month or so.
For some reason, there seem to be fewer squirrels around while the number of chipmunks appear to be growing. The groundhogs have returned (sadly) - likely waiting for my heirloom tomatoes... Lots of songbirds visit the feeder and bird bath. With so little rain, other creatures (including insects) are making regular visits to the bath as well. 
Happy Flag Day!