My presence on social media has been sporadic the past month as I try to squeeze in as much activity as I can before winter returns – which, based on current temperatures, feels like it won’t be long.
Even though we are now passed the summer solstice, it feels like we are still waiting for summer to arrive. Temperatures continue to be below normal and water levels are extraordinarily high everywhere.
I’m not to be discouraged though. I’ve been busy exploring unfamiliar places …
… and trying to learn new skills.
Sampling some of Canada’s *finest* cuisine at the Midland Buttertart Festival …
… and spending quality time with family members.
The overly generous amount of rain we continue to receive is making yard work a nightmare. I think all the weeds are sentient beings and plotting a hostile takeover.
It could be worse though. In some areas, farmers’ fields are underwater and the city can’t keep up with maintenance of green spaces.
I don’t know what July has to offer, but I’m hoping there will be a lot less rain and a lot more sunshine.
Changing Seasons is a monthly photo feature hosted by Max at Cardinal Guzman.
My Life Lived Full 
[…] https://mylifelivedfull.wordpress.com/2017/06/29/june-still-waiting-for-summer-to-begin/ […]
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Let’s hope for more sunshine!
“My presence on social media has been sporadic the past month” – same here! As you know I have a new job without the opportunity to be online all day and in the evenings there all these other things that needs to be done (kid, house chores, gym, etc), so WordPress comes far down on the list of priorities.
Kayaking seems like a lot of fun. Good excercise plus nature. A win-win.
Today I bought a banjo, so I’ll be learning some new skills as well. 🙂
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Learning new skills is the best! I’m sure you’re going to have fun with your new toy 😉
I’m starting to feel less guilty about not keeping up with FB, and IG, and WP. There’s just so many other interesting things to do!!
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Too many interesting things to do and not enough time!
Today I’ve been playing banjo all day long. Now it’s bedtime, but I still want to play more. 😀
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I think my heart goes out to the kids off from school, taking swimming lessons in chilly pools (our night temps range asow as 43 degrees whole out days sometimes only 70’s. As Dan mentioned we do have 90’s which is great in my weekend schedule but work in no air conditioning means a long, hot day!
I guess kids may sit and read books under trees comfortably in the cool mornings and sleep deeper.
I used to like to kayak but swift currents and capsizing has brought out my fears of being caught and unable to get out from under the kayak or getting in a strange outward pulling current. I admire your hoping and will hope for you to have a few outings in the kayak. I loved the photos of the family, especially 2017 grungy young man. I remembered one who got injured or broken leg, was this him, Joanne? Hope you are 100% up to par and making mileage headway on your trail or journey! 🙂 Robin
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It seems we are having similar weather patterns, although I have to admit I don’t mind the cooler temperatures. I’m definitely not a hot-house flower 🙂 More importantly, except for a spectacular storm yesterday evening, we’ve had 5 uninterrupted days of sunshine 🙂 Definitely no complaints about that!!
You have a good memory! That is the same son. He broke his hip – quite badly – 6 years ago while snowboarding, and then last November broke his foot at a wedding (of all places!).
I FINALLY have a date for my first kayak trip – this Monday. The weather looks very promising and I’m quite excited about it. We’ll see how I feel about it at the end 😉
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Your days and mine must have been similar: I too, recently posted a “catch up” post.
Even though you are waiting for summer, it looks like you sure are having fun. Food, friends, family, AND kayaking? Was that the new skill? If so, what did you think?
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This summer I seem to be even busier than I’ve ever been. I have so much going on right now and I’m not complaining 🙂
The kayaking course was great even if I didn’t get into the water. So far I’m zero for two. Both times the water has been too rough for a beginner. With the water levels so high in the Great Lakes, the breakwalls are under water and any beginner water activities are risky. I’m hoping I will get out before this summer is over!!
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Lovely post…love the photo of all your men. What’s the red dot on the floor? My son is into those Spartan races. Looks like you’re getting your summer’s worth of action?? Me…no, I’ve got my feet up, sitting and chillin.
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Hi BF! Nice to see you again 🙂
This grocery store used to be Maple Leaf Gardens – the home of the Toronto Maple Leaf hockey team.
It’s a historic building and was bought by a large grocery store chain and converted into a mega grocery store.
The red dot represents where centre ice used to be. For long time hockey fans like my brother, it was a significant visit.
I find it odd that they marked centre ice, but there is no plaque, no explanation, no anything to identify its significance.
I expect most people who frequent this store don’t even know what it is anymore.
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I hope that it dries out for you! The weather at the beach was wonderful and low 80’s, but when I got back to Roanoke, it’s been in the mid 90’s. It makes me feel like I’m in Florida… but without the ocean and my family.
Glad to see that you aren’t letting the weather slow down your exploration. I have a tendency to let it dampen my adventures. Congrats to Misha. And quality family time is always a good thing! 🙂
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hahaha! I live in Canada, Amy. For my own sanity, I can’t afford to let the weather get me down 😉
I think that my tolerance level for heat and humidity is considerably lower than your’s! Temperatures in the 70s are perfectly fine with me 🙂
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Oh yes, you’ve got men around you. And changing weather. Wishing you sunshine. And a woman or two, along the way. 😉
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hahaha!! Don’t you know it!! Now you see why I value my female friendships so much. Even my cat is male!!
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Just like my dog. :p Bring on the wine-and-whine Wednesday! 😀
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The problem is that so many good things have been going on, I don’t have a good whine built up!!
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Hihih. That’s the way to be, keep it up! 😉
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Australia has just had the driest June on record for years and years. The weather is a little topsy turvy all the place. I hope you get to enjoy some warm before the season wheel turns again Joanne. It’s certainly winter here so hopefully your summer will get the idea and warm up soon. Good on you for learning the new skills and getting out and enjoying the season regardless.
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I don’t necessarily need it warmer – I prefer it “cooler” – but a bit drier would be nice. Maybe a couple of consecutive days without day.
Hope you get some much needed rain.
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It’s dry in my part of Alberta. Please send rain…
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I wish I could. More forecast for the entire weekend 😦
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Have to agree with you about the weather here in TO – I don’t mind cooler temps but I’ve had more than enough rain thank you very much! I got away for a few days with a friend and we went to Prince Edward County, Kingston and on to the Eastern Townships. It was lovely but there was flooding and sand bags in many locations. And I am so disappointed not to be able to get over to the Toronto Islands this year – I love walking over there.
I am also being a tourist in my own home town this summer as it is the first one I’ve had off since I was 15 (I’m 63) and I’ve got a couple of suggestions for you if you haven’t been as yet.
Friends made it down to the new Trillium Park at the eastern end of the Old Ontario Place and said it’s a lovely addition to the waterfront trail.
I also visited the Aga Khan Museum this week and we were lucky enough to be there on a day when they were doing tours over at the Ismaili Cultural Centre as well. Both buildings are amazing – works of art on their own! It’s over on Winford Drive around Don Mills and Eglinton and includes some lovely gardens. You would get some great pictures. All the guides were really interesting and everyone was very welcoming – we really enjoyed it. Just be sure to pre-register for the tour of the Ismaili Centre – it’s not to be missed.
Also – have you been to the Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit at the AGO as yet? It’s on until the end of July.
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Thanks Margie – I’ve heard about the new Trillium Park and I haven’t been down to the Waterfront yet to check it out.
I have been to the Aga Khan but not the Ismaili Cultural Centre. I’ll have to add that to my list. A tour sounds like a really good idea.
Nor have I been to the AGO in years.
All are really great suggestions! Thanks again.
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It has been some really strange weather the past two months. I have a couple of container plants that I don’t think have grown an inch. The grass is green but things aren’t blooming like usual. 🙂
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Same here, Judy. I’m noticing that the only things growing like crazy are the perennials. All the annuals seem to be in a state of shock.
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Beautiful photos. Your explorations look like fun, especially to a woman stuck at home in the middle of remodeling chaos. Gotta ask: “Trained Fishing Worms”? This is a thing?!
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I’m equally baffled, Ally. In hindsight, I don’t know why I just didn’t go inside and ask some questions. I can be a little dense that way sometimes 😉
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I hope it comes soon! Bacon on a stick – genius! At least you are getting out and about, nice pictures.
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Sadly, this rain is restricting our time out on the trails, but I’m not prepared to write off this summer quite yet 😉
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Lovely post & pictures as always, Joanne! Does seem like we will skip summer this year. Maybe we will get a gorgeous Fall!
Stay dry. 🙂
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Staying dry is definitely a challenge, isn’t it!! Hopefully this weekend won’t be a complete washout. I have a party planned on Sunday and dry weather would be greatly appreciated.
Happy Canada Day Weekend. Enjoy!!
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Still waiting for summer? Your weather looks fine in the photos though. And you’re as active as always! We’ve had a heat wave in Europe, which is just over, so I guess we’ve had our summer. Paradoxically, the summer months don’t tend to be as hot here as June.
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I know how much you like the warmth so I’m hoping you get more of the heat in July and August 🙂
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Love your walking path! That looks like a great space to spend time. Oh my gosh it is SO HOT here. We do not have AC just ceiling fans, but I am sweltering. Okay sorry Joanne I shouldn’t even say this stuff to you until your weather warms up which hopefully it will soon.
That’s your son right? Congrats on his achievements and my he is so handsome!
Cheers
Peta
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Thanks Peta, I think Misha is gorgeous too, but I’m not exactly impartial 😉
I don’t exactly mind the cooler temperatures. I am not a fan of heat and humidity, but PLEASE, if only Mother Nature would turn off the rain for several days in a row. We are beyond water-logged.
To be honest though, if I had to choose, I would pick this relentless wet weather over drought any day.
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Wow! You live in a beautiful town!
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You know, Phil, until I retired and started spending time visiting around my own city, I didn’t realize how true that was. We often have a treasure under our own noses and don’t recognize it.
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Raspberry Nutella is a thing?! Oh my word. Our average for rain in June is 4″. What we have received so far is over 20″. The amount of flooded streets and homes is absurd.
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You too?! Sigh.
I feel badly for all those who are trying to deal with the aftermath of flooding.
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I do hope your summer arrives soon Joanne. I’m guessing that winter is a lot more bearable if you’ve had a sunshine top-up. Lovely photos; especially that fab portrait of your son after his race. And butter tart … I had to look that one up and I’m kind of confused. It’s like putting a soft version of pastry ingredients into pastry — with extra sugar. Not my thing at all, but it must be good to warrant a festival.
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Butter tarts are sweet gooey concoctions and there are some people who hold the butter tart in highest regard.
Although I have an uncontrollable sweet tooth, pie and tarts aren’t really my thing, so it’s easy for me to just look. I had a fun afternoon with my sister – just people watching and checking out all the wares 🙂
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I’m with you. I’ve never really developed a taste for pastry. I do love it when people come together to celebrate their food heritage though — whatever the food it. And perfect for people-watching!
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such beautiful images Joanne- those cuds in the sky over the water are fabulous!
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That is one thing I will say about this unstable weather we’ve been having … the cloud formations on any given day are beautiful. On that particular day, they were especially pretty.
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I was at the Midland Butter tart Festival last year! I’m still recovering but I imagine you walked it all off in a trice.
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The truth is, I didn’t have any butter tarts. They’re not really my *thing* … but I had a fun day with my sister. I can’t believe people would actually wait in line for an hour or more to buy tarts from a particular vendor.
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Let me guess the one hour line-up vendor. Was it Doo Doo’s Bakery?
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I don’t remember. My sister and I were both so incredulous that anyone would think it was reasonable to stand in line for over an hour for a butter tart. We just moved on.
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I’ve never made it to the butter tart festival! I’d probably overdose on sugar! Also I recognize that orange circle that brother Frank is pointing to. So far I haven’t minded the cooler temperatures as it makes walking easier. I could do with a little less rain though! Here’s to a better July !
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I agree. I quite like these cooler temperatures, but please, please, please … enough rain already!!
It’s funny that *centre ice* is so discreet. Before long, that knowledge will be gone.
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Rainy weekend ahead if the forecast is true. Booooooo
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I’m hoping not!! I have a party planned for Sunday and I need dry conditions!!
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I’m just jealous. I loved our week of 70s and dunno why it ever has to get hotter than that. Pity about the wetlands, though. I hope nature knows what she’s doing, even if the people don’t know what to do with all of it.
I haven’t been kayaking in years and I very much want to this summer. I think Moo would be an excellent kayak companion 🙂 Think I should take a refresher?
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I don’t mind the temperatures at all. Today was mid 70s and that works well for me … except for yet more rain. Several days of no rain would be deeply appreciated.
I think a return to kayaking would be a great idea. I’m just really reluctant to buy one until I’ve had a chance to go out in one several times to know whether I’m going to like it or not. I didn’t realize it would be so hard to find places in the city to rent one for the day. We’re sitting on a Great Lake for crying out loud … it should be a no-brainer.
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I can see that. You’d think… Hm. I’ve been looking at state parks.
You know what’s great about falling out of a kayak? Water catches you 🙂 Much safer than many crashes you’ve survived! Unless you’re like, on rapids…
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I like my water flat as a pancake when it comes to boating and swimming. When I finally get into a kayak, it will not be anywhere near rapids!!
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I can’t help but wonder, how the heck do you train a fishing worm? And what sort of tricks do these trained worms do?
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My thoughts exactly!!! Now that I think about it, I should have asked questions.
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As I’m writing this, my area is under a severe thunderstorm warning. The temperature has dropped 10 degrees in 15 minutes! Mother Nature seems to be confused more often than not these days, we had Spring in February…my lilac bush started to bud and Winter howled back in with deep cold and ice in March…no blooms on my lilac bush this year 😟 The end of April brought massive flooding to Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas…up to 12 inches of rain in 2 days! It was unbelievable. I don’t live in a flood area but had water coming in my basement windows, the rain was coming down so hard and fast my back yard became a small river! Oh and we had tornadoes in March too!
I’m sure your rainy days will come to an end and July will be the drying out time and you can get out on the water in that kayak! I’m looking forward to reading about that!
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Good grief! You’ve had some serious weather!! I admit that every rainfall I’m checking the basement to see if it’s still dry. I would cry to see water flooding into the basement windows!!
Today we had severe thunderstorm warnings all day … and then we had nothing more than a minor drizzle. Yet Monday was the exact opposite … was supposed to be clear and mostly sunny, yet we had wild storms back-to-back all afternoon. Bizarre. I don’t think the weatherman has a clue 😦
Here’s hoping to drier weather in July!
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You had me at Buttertart…
The weather here has been pretty good. Our best summer weather (warmest – but not too warm, I hope) usually starts towards the end of July and goes through early to mid-October. I always feel sorry for tourists who come to Southern California in June expecting it to be sunny and warm. Nope.
If I could attach a picture with my comment, I’d send you one of Hubby’s and my feet positioned just inside that red dot (center ice) in Loblaws. It looks like your brother was pretty excited about it too!
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Yay! You found centre ice! More importantly, you knew what it was!! I’m sure the staff in that store get asked that question all the time. I just wish they didn’t make it quite so discreet. Before long, no one will even remember Maple Leaf Gardens as an arena.
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We had summer-like hail storms two days in a row, but not the usual heat that you’d expect with that type of weather event. My garden has stalled. It’s too cold, especially overnight. So, I take a perverse comfort in knowing that this is not a localized crappy spring/summer season.
Tell me more about the Loblaws at centre ice?
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I saw your pictures of the hail! We had a pretty wild storm too – in fact, back-to-back storms all afternoon on Monday – but the hail wasn’t nearly as large as what you got.
The plants I put in the ground in May have stalled too. I can’t see any growth at all in the past 6 weeks. It looks like it’s going to be one of those summers.
The Loblaw’s at Maple Leaf Gardens is huge, but I’m surprised they haven’t made a big deal about the building’s heritage. There are a few nods to its past – but centre ice for example is just the red circle. No plaque, no indication at all of its significance. If you didn’t know, the red circle on the floor would be meaningless.
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Yeah, I’m surprised, too – weird.
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You’re spending time wisely I think. How was your kayaking on the lake? Did you get a calm day for it?
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So far I’m zero for two. On both occasions I was prepared to kayak, water conditions made it too dangerous. Water levels are just too high and often fast moving. I have a feeling it just won’t happen this summer.
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Sounds like you’re finding some fun things to do while you wait for the summer sun to shine down on you! Maybe the sun will chase away the rain if it catches you humming “Here Comes the Sun” or “Summer Breeze.”
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I’m staying optimistic. Surely some consistently sunny days will be in the forecast eventually.
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By far the best part of your post/photos is the sign telling me to eat dessert first!!!! I am jealous you are heading into your cooler months as we are just settling into our hottest here. Looks as though you’ve had great fun with family and friends! Good to wind down the season with laughter and smiles.
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Sadly, we should be entering the hottest time of the year too, but Mother Nature just doesn’t want to give up on the relentless rain. I’m staying optimistic that July will be drier and warmer!
… and the last thing I need is encouragement to eat dessert first 😉
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Wishing you better, consistent weather soon, Joanne. Our weather was completely wonky until June 21. It was as if the Vancouver Island weather gods said that they did not contractually need to warm up the island and stop all of the cold rain until the official first day of summer…and they did just that! Hopefully your weather gods will be kind to the Toronto area this July and August (and beyond)!
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Maybe there’s hope for us then! I have my fingers crossed that July 1st will be that magical threshold.
Please forgive me now for the whining I’ll do when it gets too hot 😉
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Hope summer arrives soon for you, if not, hope on over here, you are always most welcome. Although this week, summer disappeared and we had lots of rain, but we are grateful, we did need it so badly!
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I’m glad an area that really need it, got the rain they wanted. We need dry skies for a while. I’m staying optimistic – for now.
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You are one busy lady regardless of weather. Hope July has better weather in store for the trail, the golf course, my bicycle and the beach.
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I know what you mean. Helen and I haven’t been out on any trail for 2 weeks now. I look at our to-do list and feel antsy.
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I’ll trade you, Joanne. Our weather for yours. I sit here praying for winter to return and you’re there, praying that summer stops by. Is anybody happy with the weather they have? 🙂
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I guess when you’re slowing broiling in the desert heat, some cooler temperatures and a good rainfall would be greatly appreciated. If I could, I would package up a super-sized portion for you and ship it down. You’re right though, we’re always looking at what we don’t have.
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We were joking about going to Death Valley today, so Lynn looked up the weather there and they are only 5 degrees hotter than we are today!
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No!! Ouch! I don’t envy you!!
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So we ended up going to the Mojave National Preserve and, believe it or not, in different areas it was 5 to 10 degrees less than in Las Vegas. I was actually able to get out of the air-conditioned car and take photos!
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Wow! I’m guessing that even at 10 degrees lower, it was still really hot!
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It was heaven, Joanne. I was even able to get out of our air conditioned car and take some shots. And last night, around 7 pm, we took the dog we’ve been watching for about 2 years now, into the desert away from all the fireworks because she was a nervous wreck. The temp was 107. Two hours later, when we ended up in Rachel NV (Area 51) it was 80 degrees. When we finally started back home, my in car thermometer read 70 degrees outside. We turned off the ac and opened the window. But when we got back to reality- our house- it was in the mid 90’s. At almost midnight!
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Next thing you know, it will be sweltering. Then freezing again…then sweltering. Right?
We’re still in May over here, Joanne. I have on my flannels and wool socks. If autumn starts in August, I’m going to cry. Great pics despite the chill. And I see plenty of blue sky. 😀
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I’m sad to hear you are suffering the same summer-in-absentia that we are.
We will get one nice sunny day, followed by 3 of unrelenting rain. I don’t need or want sweltering temperatures, but a week or two of uninterrupted sunny skies would be greatly appreciated.
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The weather here as been nice and menopausal friendly, during the day in the 80’s, in the night down to the 50’s. Today is the first hot day and it’s going to stay like that for a while. I am expecting a very hot summer.
The butter art festival sounds like fun. I am not sure if I would try it all, but hey, just being there counts.
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We’re lucky if we get daytime temperatures that crack 70F – in June!! You’re right, they are menopausal-friendly, but it’s the rain that’s wearing everyone down. It just won’t stop. We seem to get one day of sunshine followed by 3 days of rain 😦
I’m not a huge butter tart fan … pie isn’t really my thing … but it was a rare day I got to spend with my sister and we had fun.
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Sorry to hear you couldn’t get to try out a kayak. I guess you’ll just have to come visit me sometime and we can go out on the river together! 🙂 Have a great Canada Day long weekend Joanne!
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hahaha! I’m actually the type of person who would totally take you up on an offer like that!!
The kayak clinic was actually very good even if we did all our practicing on land. I learned a lot and if / when I eventually get out on the water, I’ll feel much more confident about what to do … and not do 😉
Happy Canada Day Weekend to you too! All my men will be home for some boisterous fun. I’m looking forward to it 🙂
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Seems like we are all suffering. After a week of absurdly high temperatures we are no having a week of distinctly autumnal weather – cold and wet 😦 I would just like a happy middling, pretty please! (Nice photos: especially Misha. I have to be convinced by raspberry nutella butter tarts though…)
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That’s it exactly … it feels like fall and I have this sense of urgency of getting through my summer-want-to-do-list. At least you had a week of absurdly high temperatures.
Well, I don’t really want the high temperatures … just less rain.
I agree – I’m not a fan of raspberries, nutella, or butter tarts … but I did enjoy the festival 🙂
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A month full of activity – ifs tad too much water. On the positive side, you don’t have to worry about the water table 😁
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Nor have I had to worry about watering any plants 🙂
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Yes! The silver lining! 😀
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wow what a good article
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Thanks 🙂
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Believe it or not, we get slow starting summers in L.A. too. Sometimes it doesn’t get hot until mid July or August…but then it stays that way until November!
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That’s encouraging. Maybe this summer won’t be a complete bust!
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Sorry you’re still waiting for summer, Joanne. We have been comfortable this week, but it’s heading into the 90s for the weekend.
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We’re not expected to get much more than high 70s, although the humidity may drive it higher.
I’m actually not complaining about the temperatures – I prefer the cool side – but some sunshine would be nice. Preferably several days of it in a row.
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Agreed, sunshine is necessary.
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