July

What happened to June? And how can it be July when it feels like summer hasn't started in Seattle? We haven't had a day over 75 yet, and just a few have hit the 70 mark. On the bright side, it's pleasant and mild compared to the sweltering hot parts of the country. And Seattle is a city of heat wimps, so a huge whine goes up when the temperature gets close to 80. Which it might finally do next week, when the holiday weekend is over.

So ready or not, the Book of Hours calendar turns to July. In this miniature, we see the Duc de Berry's peasants toiling under blue skies in summer heat, shearing sheep and harvesting grain. The sun chariot at the top moves across the Zodiac from Cancer into Leo. This well-fortified castle is the Chateau du Clain in Poitiers, where the Duc was a frequent visitor as he jaunted around the countryside.