Well it is suddenly high summer here and everywhere else. I can tell because, even though just a few weeks ago it was near freezing overnight, and we had some good snowstorms just last month, now it is HOT! 
We have many summers that never get to 90. This may not be one of them. 
It is not nearly as hot here as most places, but I hear we’ll be flirting with 90 degrees this weekend.
That is no fire for this desert dog! But I admit I sure like the cool nights, 50 degrees before sunrise, and being able to run down to the creek whenever I want.
Everything is in bloom now, too. All around the hay is being cut, and we saw dozens of trucks hauling fragrant green chopped barley from the fields. 
Mom loves her flowers, and we have our favorite iris blooming, and plenty more.
There are so many colors, from sky blue to orange to black, and they make a lovely backdrop when a photogenic cowdog takes a break among them.
I like to lay in the cool patches of clover in the wildflower yard.
And we cut a few to bring inside, so the cats can enjoy them too.
A bloom is encouragement – peace, promise and beauty!
Some wave loudly, saying “get ready for harvest!” 
Some are wild, 
some carefully planted.
They may come early,
They may stay long through the hottest summer.
Some quietly remind us to be patient.
It may be a harvest of hay or grain, maybe the bounty of vegetables, or fruit to be picked when the nights get chilly again.
Colorful blossoms, favored by bees, birds and children, are one of the generous gifts our Maker has given us in summer.
Don’t miss them and don’t waste them. Each is a reminder of how precious and brief this summer is.
And remember to bloom where you are planted!
“The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come.”
Song of Solomon 2:12
