friday five: too damn hot

a fresh summer tomato with mozzarella and basil from our garden. yum.

Here in the snow belt state of Wisconsin we long for the first signs of spring--perhaps a crocus poking up through the snow, or a pussy willow bud popping out even beneath ice. The first appearance of robins, that most cheery little hopper of birds, causes widespread rejoicing. Spring is followed by summer, a time for home-grown tomatoes, watermelon, corn on the cob, all sorts of "fests," back yard "fry outs" (what they call a barbecue here, for some reason) and trips near and far.

I love summer, and wait anxiously for it every year. So how is it that we have arrived at the hot and humid "Dog Days" of August, and I have not done nearly enough of what I planned to do? I want to pack in as much as I can before snow flies once again.

How about you? And what is happening for those of you who are in a different hemisphere than I, and it may be cold?

1. What is the weather like where you live?
I live in middle Tennessee. It is horribly, wretchedly, hot and humid, and has been for far too long. And our A/C is not functioning correctly. It was 87 indoors last night at bedtime. I'm thanking the compassion gods right now because the repair guy is here less than 24 hours after my desperate call for help!

2. Share one thing you love about this time of year.
I'm a Yankee transplant. I miss all kinds of things about New England, but this summer I am especially missing summers there: outdoor concerts and festivals, sailing, cookouts that could actually be held outdoors, cool nights, riotous color, craft fairs (I really miss those!)

3. Share one thing you do NOT love about this time of year.
Too hot to enjoy being outdoors for anything. Especially this year. You don't want to see the weeds in my garden.

4. How will you spend the remaining days leading up to Autumn?
Praying that they pass quickly.

5. Share a good summer memory.
My family spent summer vacations on Cape Cod, and I have wonderful memories of those times. I have lots of good summer memories from throughout my life. A standout memory is sailing for a week along the coast of Maine. Incredible weather, wonderful food, good times with friends. The sky was so clear one night that we could see the Milky Way above, and its reflection in the water. I wish there were more opportunities in my life to enjoy times like that.

Bonus: What food says SUMMER to you?
garden tomatoes and corn on the cob