return to... summer

Yes, we've been away, and now we're back. We've seen so much-- beautiful places in upstate New York, and Connecticut and the Berkshires... been hosted by fabulous friends-- and we'll be processing pictures of all that...
But in our yard--- the irrigation system had its true maiden voyage. Almost 2 weeks, and everything looks pretty darn good (big thanks also to housesitter Nathan). But the season definitely shifted into the next phase: the first flush of all roses is past; sunflowers are getting tall, buddleias (butterfly bushes) are coming into bloom, daylilies, echinacea, california poppies going strong. It's looking very SUMMER.