We finally, finally got a break in the weather from all the rain and thunderstorms where the sun has been shining every day and the temps have been perfect. It's been glorious to have the windows and doors open and the fans going instead of everything closed up with the air-conditioner running. Of course, this isn't going to last - we'e back up into the 90's tomorrow - but I'm living in the moment. We've been spending lots of time outside doing yard work, forever cleaning up mulberries (poor Brian had to clean them out of the gutters), taking walks down to the lake in the evenings, and visiting with our neighbor-friends down the street. That's their gorgeous bee balm in the fourth photo.
This is the time of year where the Midwest shines. It is so green and lush...the trees look like big stalks of broccoli dotting the landscape, gardens are bursting with color, and wildflowers line the highways. Nothing says summer like driving down a country road past fields of corn, windows down (sometimes with the AC blasting at the same time), radio on, puffy clouds floating above. And then there's sitting out on the porch at night...the heavy, musky humidity hanging like a blanket, glimpses of light still visible, and fireflies flashing their little lights on and off like SOS signals.
We took another day trip this past weekend - this time to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We're right near the border of Wisconsin, so Lake Geneva is only a 40 minute drive for us. We don't go up there often - it's been over two years. The town is touristy and crowded, especially at this time of year. The shops mainly cater to the tourists and wealthy locals, but it's a charming town to walk around (we put on almost five miles of walking!), dip your feet in the water, and have a bite to eat at a fantastic restaurant.
How's your summer going so far?
This is the time of year where the Midwest shines. It is so green and lush...the trees look like big stalks of broccoli dotting the landscape, gardens are bursting with color, and wildflowers line the highways. Nothing says summer like driving down a country road past fields of corn, windows down (sometimes with the AC blasting at the same time), radio on, puffy clouds floating above. And then there's sitting out on the porch at night...the heavy, musky humidity hanging like a blanket, glimpses of light still visible, and fireflies flashing their little lights on and off like SOS signals.
We took another day trip this past weekend - this time to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We're right near the border of Wisconsin, so Lake Geneva is only a 40 minute drive for us. We don't go up there often - it's been over two years. The town is touristy and crowded, especially at this time of year. The shops mainly cater to the tourists and wealthy locals, but it's a charming town to walk around (we put on almost five miles of walking!), dip your feet in the water, and have a bite to eat at a fantastic restaurant.
How's your summer going so far?
I'm so glad you're getting a nice taste of summer and I love your descriptions! It sounds so beautiful and like summers of old. It's nice to learn about another place to visit in Wisconsin. I just looked at a map, and it would be possible to detour that way on one of our road trips.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Melanie! Our summer is going much like yours...don't you just love those days when the humidity goes down and the summer breezes cool you? Perfect days!
ReplyDeleteYour summer looks and sounds great. Our weather has been so humid no one wants to be outside. Unfortunately it's July weather in NJ.
ReplyDeleteOur annuals are not doing great because it went from rain constantly to humid none stop. NJ summers aren't always great. One reason I don't love it.
Enjoy your summer
Cindy
I was sitting on my friends porch the other evening and said it is this kind of weather that makes living in the Midwest worth it.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying every single moment.
Beautiful photos of summer, Melanie! I like these better than the winter ones filled with snow. We too are finally getting some summer weather, the rain seems to be on vacation and I'm thrilled. The temps are high, but it makes for good pool days so no complaints here! Enjoy the sun and the warm temps!
ReplyDeleteThis post reminds me of growing up in Michigan! Our summer here in NC is going along nicely. My tomatoes are starting to turn red!
ReplyDeleteIt's dark again and has been spattering rain off and on. This seems to be happening most every day. My Lamb's Ear never has gotten to the point yours has. Maybe it's all the rain.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
"This is the time of year where the Midwest shines." This paragraph took my soul right back to it's roots. You can take the girl out of the Midwest, but you can't take the Midwest out of the girl :) Thank you for the trip down Memory Lane.
ReplyDeleteOh Melanie, I'm drooling over that gorgeous stone church with the red door!!! Lovely photos, looks like you are having a nice summer at long last!
ReplyDeleteI think I could have written Penny's comment above, except the tomato part :).
ReplyDeleteSummer is looking very good in the Midwest. You are smart to enjoy the beautiful days while they last. So nice to have open windows and fresh air.
Like Debbie, I love that stone church, does remind me of churches in Blowing Rock. Your yard looks lovely and I miss the orange tiger lilies at our old house. They were double ones and so cheerful. Our lamb's ears have started blooming, and the black-eyed susans and the butterfly bushes are huge and full of blooms. We even planted milkweed this spring but so far no monarchs have visited.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing articles on Lake Geneva in the Midwest magazines I used to subscribe to, always wanted to visit that antique haven. I'm so glad that you're finally getting pleasant summer weather, Melanie. You deserve it after so much rain. Will the new hurricane bring more up to you eventually? We've had fairly regular afternoon pop up showers here, often enough for RH to be able to skip watering.
One of my favorite bloggers, Kathy B lives right there in Lake Geneva, she loves it. You are right the Midwest shines in the summer, I miss Michigan and Wisconsin so much int he summer and fall. Enjoy your beautiful weather.
ReplyDelete