Ann, of Slow Shutter Speed invites us to showcase how we stay cool and what we do to enjoy summer. So far the weather has been fairly normal for this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, USA. There have been a few days over 95°F (35°C), and there will be more in August, however hot days have been followed by more moderate temperatures, so we have been able to enjoy time outside. There are massive wildfires in Washington and Oregon, though the prevailing westerly winds have kept the smoke away from our area.
By mid June, we say farewell to our Breakers condominium and friends at Long Beach, WA to spend most of the summer at home in Vancouver, WA. Why? Summer is always busy at the beach, so we prefer to let others rent our condo, while we enjoy the peace and quiet in our own home and grounds.
With morning coffee, I head out to our deck (my tree house!) to enjoy the fresh stillness, and watch birds as they bring their fledglings in to our feeders. I have seen Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Song Sparrow, Junco, House Finch, Goldfinch, Bewick Wren, Bushtit, Stellar’s Jay, Spotted Towhee, Crow, and Anna’s Hummingbird all partake of the feast, while I sit quietly enjoying the beauty of their being.
Almost every day, Max, Daisy and I go to our favorite dog park, where they can sniff and explore off leash, and I can walk without them tugging me onward!
By late afternoon, I settle into my garden nook; a shaded space facing the pond and waterfall, where I relax in the surroundings, create Lens-Artists posts, and read. Just finished Giving Up Is Unforgivable, by Joyce Vance, and I’m now re-reading What We Can Know, by Ian McEwan.
Lindy Low LeCoq 
We often forget just how vulnerable our wildlife is to heat…here in our corner of the UK we are on our 4th heatwave and water shortages and some wildfires. Shade and water become a priority for our wildlife…folk say they adapt, I hope they can.
I’m so angry at the current administration in my country, and I’m really sorry the UK and much of Europe is suffering the consequences of climate change.
My little backyard habitat is what I can do to provide shelter for birds and critters.
By making the right choices, you can enjoy your summer even more – well done!
Thank you ❣️
Our beautiful off-leash park, on the Guadalupe River, has been closed since the July 16 flooding. If you’ve followed the news about the Texas Hill Country floods, this was just over a year since the catastrophic, deadly floods of July 4, 2025. I am fortunate not to have been impacted by either floods, but it’s very sad for our community to again recover from so much loss. Otherwise we’re having a fairly tolerable summer, and it sounds like you are too. Aren’t we lucky?
Yes, we are lucky. I have been aware of both flooding events. Sounds like they learned lessons from last year and things were a little better this year.
A wonderful view of your summer days, Lindy. I’m sure you spend many hours in that beautiful garden.
Yes I do, John. Hours cleaning and trimming, followed by relaxing and enjoying!
Lindy, I feel the peace and serenity in all of your images. What a great place to enjoy the summer!
Thank you, Beth. Do you remember when the idea of a Staycation was prevalent? That’s when I really went to work turning my grounds into a sanctuary!