By Teresa Smith

Weather app says heat advisory. Highs in the 70’s and no relief in sight. Better brace yourself.

The funny thing is that it really does feel hot. I can’t imagine 100 degrees. “It is dry heat”, they say. It is still way too hot. As an outdoor kind of person, I don’t see how I would get anything done.

Gratitude comes to mind. I am thankful for these days when the tides are low, the garden is producing, and the birds are flourishing. A little hot like the 70’s lets me know it is summer. I can wear skirts without leggings, even at night. Outdoor gatherings and concerts that require a lawn chair. Writing in my journal on the porch instead of by the fire. The french doors to my studio are wide open instead of buttoned up. And best of all, the fair is just around the corner.

Dog days of summer and I find Finn, my collie, in a dirty hole he has dug under the snowberry bush. Cool and filthy. Cats languish and relish the warmth, and I want to languish a bit too.

Horses hang out in the barn all day to escape the fly’s and heat of the sun.

Things feel a little crispy. Even the air seems crispy. We had three days of blissful misty rain this week. The woods came to life with a fresh colorful cast. The smells were intoxicating. I stood amongst the trees and drank in the pure joy like a nourishing drink.

I love summer in the San Juans. All the festivities, music around town and feelings of being on vacation. Fall is on its way with cooler days, still lots of sunshine and a sense of things calming down a bit. Autumn here is amazing to be sure. Then winter comes rolling in with its long nights and restful sleep. A reason to quit working as the sun goes down. I love winter so much. It soothes me. Then. The best of all is the coming of spring especially before the very first flowers have gone by. All things bursting into life including me. But for now, I fill myself with summer, dance on the grass with my friends and brace myself for another hot day.