Are you happy to be home? Look at you, too. Are you happy to be home? The excitement is palpable. “Do it, do it! Go, done!” someone encourages. After hanging my backpack, I feel smart.

“How’s it going for you, Rod?” “Good. I think I’m having the most fun!”

“Oh, hey Daisy! Are we ready for a walk? She gets so excited. Okay, here we go.”

Hi guys, it is the day before the Fourth of July. Soon, happy birthday, America! It’s going to be hot here in the Pacific Northwest. Unseasonably hot—too hot for me. Tomorrow, it will be around 94 degrees, then up to 100, 103, or even 105, maybe back down to 94, then back up.

For the next five days, it’s going to be in the high 90s and 100s. So, guess what I set up? Yes, my pool, my little pool. I’m having some of my kids over tomorrow with a grandkid, and we’re going to have a fun, fun time. I hope you’re having a good summer and a pre-happy Fourth of July.

Remember, don’t compare yourself to me or anyone else on social media. We often seek out our best lighting and take photos that we think are the most flattering. I have makeup on right now, so don’t compare yourself. You are wonderful as you are.

Look at these volunteer cosmos from last year! I love cosmos so much. If you want to grow a hearty, beautiful, easy-to-grow flower, cosmos are great. We also have sunflowers in the Original Flower Patch location that I do every year to accompany the giant pumpkins. There should be some sunflowers coming up soon. They’re looking pretty good, and I think there’s some wildflower mix here, too.