The total solar eclipse

Unprecedented

How many times have we heard that word lately?

Even people who have lived here their entire lives cannot remember this much smoke in Western Washington-- not since Mt. St Helens blew in 1980.  On the bright side I guess, the smoke blocked out the sun so the temperature stayed in the mid-80's yesterday.  But adding insult to injury, Seattle was blanketed with ash that fell like snow on cars and blew into our open windows, making everything filthy.

If anything, the air looks worse this morning, but they say relief is on the way. The weather pattern is finally changing and a wimpy system from the Pacific should be enough to blow out the pollution by the weekend.  Count our blessings.  At least we don't have a monster hurricane barrelling down like poor Florida.  Rachel, we are thinking of you.  As well as our sister-in-law, on a dive trip in the Virgin Islands.  Good timing, Rebecca.

Well, enough weather complaining on John's special day.  Have a nice day at work dear, and enjoy the cake.  Time for me to get busy with a birthday dinner.

Late summer garden

Our overnight low was an unbelievably warm 71 degrees last night, yet another weather record broken.  That is close to our usual daytime high in September. Today will hit the 90's again and unfortunately the wildfire smoke is back, making life even more unpleasant in Seattle.  But makes interesting light for garden photography. 

Everything is so dry! There's a slight (20%) chance of showers on Thursday, not nearly enough to water the trees and wilted shrubs but at least it will bring in some fresh, cooler air and help the firefighters.

The dahlias and roses have their last hurrah now, thanks to all the expensive water I've poured on them this summer.  I've already cut back and hauled out cartloads of spent, ugly foliage from crocosima, iris and daisies.  They are beautiful perennials (until they are not.) This is hard work but I always enjoy seeing some open space in the flower beds again.  

Today is the first day of school for many districts. Nova starts 3rd grade, if you can imagine that. Even the newer schools don't have air-conditioning, so pity the poor teachers, especially in high school. My brother Dave, a teacher for 30+ year and incapable of being surprised by any teenage behavior, expects to be greeted with a whining chorus of hot, scantily clad kids demanding to have math class "outside."  Good luck with that, boys and girls. 

And many happy returns!

Thanks, Marji for the lovely video.  We were with you in spirit yesterday.

Happy Birthday, Dad

"Youth is the gift of nature, but age is the work of art."

And you’re a real masterpiece!  I wish we could celebrate with you, but hope you enjoy your special day.  Happy Birthday to someone who is forever young.

September

Book of Hours

September grape harvest

Chateau de Samur

The magnificent Chateau de Samur was only 10 years old in 1412, about the time this painting was made for the Duc du Berry's Book of Hours.  The castle belonged to his rich nephew, apparently a "very, very high-quality person."

The towers and battlements still stand today, along with the vineyards.  In 600 years, what will remain of our golden monuments to wealth and power?

Sweet September is suddenly here-- the beginning of the end of summer.  But you wouldn't know it in Seattle, as we're going to break even more heat records over the next few days.  Seattle typically gets about 3 inches of rain by the end of September. Time will tell.

In the meantime, those hazy, crazy days of summer roll on.  Our busy weekend visitors:

Horsing around in the kitchen

Fruit and flower stand