F. Vettergreen, two Bartletts, 2011; oil and wax on canvas, 6 x 6 inches

Ah, the vagaries of a foothills climate.   The cherry tomatoes came on so fast the squirrels got more than I did, but the big ones will have to ripen indoors; a single pumpkin fought hard against the hail but we’ll be carving a green jack-o’-lantern this year (creative license!); and though the pole beans were covered with beautiful scarlet and purple blossoms, there isn’t a single bean to be found.   By the time they bloomed the roses were faded and the bees had moved on to more fragrant territory.   Such an odd summer…but they tell me to expect warmth later than usual this year.   I’ll believe it when I see it.  It was 8 degrees two days ago.  At noon.

But let’s hope!  A couple of months of blue skies and autumn colours to ride my new sky-blue bicycle is just what I need.