I love summertime! Everything about it.. Slaving away in the garden.. Driving with my window down.. The smell of fresh cut grass.. Lightning bugs at night..  A glass of fresh mint tea.. The kiss of summer on my skin.. I could go on and on.. Summertime is the time of year that makes me want to laugh just at the pure joy of being alive..

We are having an incredible season here in the Valley.. Abundant rain has everything a lush green.. We are so blessed!

Recently a poem that we memorized in second grade has been running through my head..

“Barefoot Days”

Anonymous

In the morning, very early,
That’s the time I love to go
Barefoot where the fern grows curly
And grass if cool between each toe,
On a summer morning-O!
On a summer morning!

That is when the birds go by
Up the sunny slopes of air,
And each rose has a butterfly
Or a golden bee to wear;
And I am glad in every toe–
Such a summer morning-O!
Such a summer morning!

Here’s hoping that there is as much sunshine in your world as there is in mine..

Blessings,

Kendra

Bonus pics:

Wine berries are in season.. I thoroughly enjoyed a morning in the woods looking for these little treasures. Was very thankful that I missed out on the encounters with the rattler and the copperhead reported by previous berry pickers!

Earlier this week I had group down to Natural Bridge and Grand Caverns. They packed a picnic lunch and left it in the pavilion while they toured the caverns. I was amazed to look over and discover three squirrels had moved in and was searching for left overs. I chased them away, but not fast enough apparently.. The one ornery rascal had chewed a 5 inch gash in the salty container! I had to wonder if this was the Valley version of Alvin the Chipmunk and Gang..