Bearly Summer by Susan L.

  It's hard to believe summer is winding down. An unusually early blast of autumn cool tore through yesterday, a hint of things to come. Everywhere I went, people were complaining about the weather in typical Canadian fashion. For me? It appears to have taken care of the mosquitoes. The dramatic drop in temperature from the high thirties to the low teens meant there were no attackers when I went outside this morning to feed the fish in the pond. Yay!!
  Part of the surprise is that the grass never turned brown this year like it usually does come mid to late July. There's been ample rain so it's still green and lush and growing and in desperate need of mowing. I am thankful, too, that the weather has taken care of watering my flower beds. It keeps the bees happy. The big build has meant other chores have slid by the wayside. I hope to get the shed finished before next weekend.
  H stopped by yesterday for a brief visit. We got talking about our camping trip in a week today at Killbear Provincial Park. She's been forwarding information about bears and how to avoid damage/injury should we encounter one. It's even necessary to bear-proof the items inside the car by hiding them under a blanket. Apparently they can recognise a cooler and will smash windows to get to them. Hmmm. Even toiletries need to be kept under lock and key. It isn't wise to keep them in the tent. I didn't realise toothpaste was part of the five food groups!
  We will insist on holidaying where the wild things are. But then glimpsing wildlife, even if it is only squabbling chipmunks, is a source of great delight. It'll be nice to have a break.
  "Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." Gen 2:2-3