I took this photo a few years ago at the Balloon Festival.
A long day at the airports on July 3rd gave way
to a late twilight flight out of Minneapolis. Even though it was delayed, and
we were all anxious to make the trip, it was absolutely beautiful. We flew into
the sun, so to speak, and it set behind us with the most beautiful sunset
possible. By the time we crossed Lake Michigan, it was dark and because we were
in a small plane, we could clearly see the ground. Pockets of fireworks
exploded as we flew over small towns. It was a brilliant display of color and
very joyous. I talked to the pilots afterward, and they both said it was one of
their favorite flights! I had to agree.
With the Fourth of July now in the photo albums, we move
into the heart of summer. For me, it is time to be back home and edge myself
back into adult life. I miss the kids, and we had the best time, but now time
to get back involved with my community and my Indiana family. Yes, as John
Denver once saying, it’s good to be back home again.
This week of July brings back the heat, the brilliant sky
and Angola’s finest Balloon Festival second only to Albuquerque or so I say!
Let’s start with the heat of the day inside a July day in Indiana. James
Whitcomb Riley, Indiana’s favorite poet was known as the “Hoosier Poet” and
also the “Children’s Poet.” Riley left us with a thousand poems which he wrote
and performed in his lifetime. One of my favorite summer poems is, “The Old Swimmin’
Hole.” I think the poem depicts an innocent time for children, and well, for
adults too. I guess maybe we could say the good old days. Maybe.
July days bring on the heat which is a must for our
gardens! Mine seems to be off to a slow start and maybe that is due from being
gone two weeks and letting the weeds dance their way merrily among the flowers
and vegetables. A few afternoons of work, and I should be all caught up! Those
of you in cottages around the lake live for the month of July. I did too as a
teenager. I loved coming up to Lake James learning to ski or go out on the boat
to watch the fireworks. Since I am a townie, my fireworks were at the Commons.
They were brilliant this year, as was the evening show in my garden with the
fireflies. I was watching them last night and lamenting the fact that my
Littles were not here to capture them and wonder at their beauty. (No, we did
not keep them in jars over night although Noah did try to sneak one into the
house!)
The summer night sky boasts a waxing crescent moon passing
right through the bright star, Regulus, from the constellation, Leo the Lion. I
love watching the moon glide above us and the crescent moons have the early
night sky to themselves. Take the time to go outside after dark and prepare to
just be amazed.
Now that I am back home, the calendar appears to be filling
up with all sorts of events and activities. I love them all from Writer’s group
to Ukulele Club. This weekend boasts an amazing event in our town, Angola
Balloons Aloft. In a few days the skies will be full of hot air balloons
traveling all over the county. I love following them in my Jeep! A few years ago,
I had the awesome opportunity to fly in one of the crowd’s favorites, the
Dragon. I even had a t-shirt made for me that said, “There is no place like
home.” The morning was bright and clear as I climbed into the basket. It was
thrilling and horrifying at the same time. I was supposed to take photos and
some film footage for KPC, but mostly I just hung on the edge of the basket!
This weekend will bring events to the high school along with the balloons. Don’t
miss this!
Summer is here…strong and hot. Be on the lookout for huge
zucchinis which somehow show up unannounced on our porches! Our gardens are
growing, the kids are at camp or at the lake. We are blessed to live here.
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