Some Irish Summers

We got off to such a great start this summer.

  After a mild winter and a very early spring we had a very dry May and early June. My garden has been about three weeks ahead of schedule. I have roses and lilies that I haven't seen bloom in 8 years because they hit their peak in mid-to-late July when I am away.  They are blooming now.  Our Greengage plum set fruit this year as well, a rare occurance and one that only happens during particularly warm years.

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Well, that was then, this is now.  For the past two-and-a-half weeks we have seen practically non-stop rain, cold temps, wind and cloud.  We've had floods.  The water at one point came to one inch away from coming in our kitchen.  We've had to put the heat on.  I haven't gotten outside to exercise in all that time.  I'm stuck with indoor workouts.

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Can this weather last?  Alas, it can.  I remember 1985.  It stayed like this all summer long.  I'm glad I'll be going to the States soon where I will be guaranteed some sun and heat.