Longest Day of the Year

The summer solstice is the day of maximum sunlight hours, bringing the longest day and shortest night of the year.

I’d like to think we put it to maximum use.

As usual, Graidy greeted me at 4:50 a.m.by jumping up on the bed and licking my face until I woke up. Next to me on the floor, was Kiera on her dog bed. Finn was perched on the open window sill, twitching at every birdsong. The furry contingent and I made our way downstairs and outside for the first morning’s call. Then it was back inside for a quick breakfast.

With coffee and computer, I got to work at my little makeshift office outside on the deck.

grass-paper1.jpgThere’s nothing I love better than watching the sun rise, the birds sing, and the day come to life. The early morning hours are my time to write.

I’d made good progress, but couldn’t figure out where a couple of my pages had gone. Once the sun had come up, I could see that they’d been scattered around the yard by two common forces of nature around here — wind and Graidy.

Then it was on to more deck duty. Our deck is decades old and badly splintered. It’s been in need of a face-lift.

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While the day was still cool, I got to work ripping up old deck boards.

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Then it was time to haul the new boards around to the back. By this time, Andrew had returned from golfing, and we made quick work of it. (Along the fence are my grapes, sunflowers, and some pumpkins. Looks like it’s going to be another good year for all three.)

Kiera doesn’t like banging, so she hightailed it far away over to her favorite shade spot. From there, she can survey the whole property. She’s got the grounds covered.

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Graidy spent the morning gazing at the pond.

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–Hey Graidy boy! Whatcha doin’?

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I’m on aerial duty. Gotta keep the winged ones away.

–Of course. Carry on.

By 10:30 it was time to take a break. The sun was baking our deck area.

But it was still the perfect temperature to get some gardening chores done. With the help of my two mice/rabbit/vole/mole patrollers.

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I hear one. Graidy, do you hear one?

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YES! Found it! I think it’s heading over to you.

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Yep. Yep, I’m on it. As soon as I finish munching some of this yummy green stuff.

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Oh, I’ll take care of it myself! Ma, why do you even let him out here?! He just makes more work for me.

–Yes, I know my sweet girl. But you have to admit he’s always good for a laugh.

After lunch Cait wanted a chance to close the gap on my winning streak at badminton.

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A string between two trees measures just the right distance for a regulation length span. Important when you live with opponents who are sticklers for such things… The back tree marks perfectly the back line.

I’d had enough after a few hours. By then it had cooled down enough to get more done on the deck.

After dinner, it was time for Kiera’s and Graidy’s walk. Everywhere we looked were these billowy clouds streaming with beautiful light.

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And finally, what would the summer solstice be without catching fireflies?

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A long day? Yes. But a day spent just the way I like it — mostly outside with my loved ones.

Hope your solstice was just as wonderful.

13 thoughts on “Longest Day of the Year”

  1. That looks like a perfect day. I love the solstice…I always feel content on that day…maybe all the Vit D?

  2. Caffienated Cowgirl

    Fabulous photo of the fireflies!

    I love summer solstice…it just begs for days spent out of doors. And it looks like the dogs appreciate it too. They are just too cute :)

  3. Thanks everyone for the compliments on the garden. We’ve had perfect growing weather here. Several hot sunny days, followed by a day or two of a good soaking rain, and then sunny days and rain, and so on. I’ve only had to water a couple of times so far this season. It’s been great!

    Justine, funny you should mention about Graidy. There’s something about the quality of the white and the silkiness of his fur that reflects light and makes him look like there’s a glow around him. I always see it when I look at him, but it’s interesting that it shows up in pictures too.

    Nita and Meredith, that’s interesting that you don’t have fireflies in Oregon or France. I just assumed they were everywhere that had similar climates and vegetation.

    Teetotaled, I’m sure Kiera would love a change of scenery and a chance to get away from Graidy. But I’d have to come along too, since we’re inseparable. :)

    TherapyDoc, You caught me. The pic with Graidy is really a shot of him sniffing. But you’re right, dogs do usually eat grass when their stomachs are a little upset. What I didn’t get a shot of was Graidy munching on my peas. He loves to snack on them because they’re sweet.

  4. What a wonderful solstice day. I don’t see any fireflies here, but hope to try and catch a few when we are back in the midwest for a visit soon.

  5. How could you work without your faithful helpers?? BTW your garden looks great – I’m jealous. Fireflies always sound so summery and southern, we don’t have them here.

  6. Whew, I’m ready for a nap just reading that! Anybody else notice that Graidy always seems to have a halo of light around him? What a character.

  7. I love fireflies. It’s the best part of summer just sitting on the deck overlooking the creek in the evening and watching the little guys (generic) rise up out of the grass. Hmm, now where’s my Mason jar?

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