Clear blue skies set today's backdrop. June 1st already! Next thing we'll know, it'll be the 4th of July. Our small town is known for its exceptional fireworks on the 4th, along with the little league games, free watermelon for the kids, and the homemade chicken noodle soup made by the devoted volunteer ladies. Don't know how hot soup ever got started for a hot summer day, but it nevertheless is something people look forward to around here. Our population is about 400 on a busy day, but on the 4th of July thousands stream into town, lay their blankets and coolers down on the grassy park lawn, and wait for the night-sky entertainment that begins about 10 o'clock. Patriotic music plays loudy and has enough punch to bring tears to a grown man. Especially Lee Greenwood's, "God Bless the USA."
Hanging baskets of blooming petunias are a new addition to our village. They are so pretty and add a sweet charm to an already pretty place.
The corn is growing nicely in the fields. Farmers are baling hay. Seems the crops, flowers, and gardens are two weeks ahead of most years at this time. Our peonies usually blossom mid-June, and here they are already on their last days. We do need rain. If we don't get some soon, there will be no need to mow the lawns. We water our garden and flowers each night. Storms are forecast for late this afternoon and evening. We were going to take a drive today, but our better judgment kept us home. Why put ourselves in storm's way if it isn't absolutely necessary.
So it is that summer is bursting with its scheduled events. Now that Memorial Day is behind us, the next special day will be Father's Day. Craft shows, art fairs and flea markets entertain us with usual favorites, like kettle popcorn. The vendors stir the popcorn in their copper kettles,while the sweet aroma drifts through the air tempting our appetites.
Time to open the windows and doors and let the fresh air in. Our flag is moving ever so slightly this morning.