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| Lily's blackberry haul |
Well, I discovered a way to make a week last a long time: let it get really hot and stay that way for days on end. Last week we averaged a high temperature around 88°F (29-32°C), which is pretty darn hot for us. Hardly anybody around here has air conditioning, because we usually don't need it except for a few days in August.
However, last week we spent the entire time above normal, both highs and lows at night. Since we live close to Bellingham Bay, we were lucky to have a bit more cooling at night, and there were only a few times during the heatwave that it felt superhot. But yesterday, our climate returned to normal: the high was 73°F (22°C) and it was actually CHILLY when I walked to the bus this morning. I had to stop and put on my jacket, which I always carry in case I end up in A/C while shopping.
Now today, before noon, our temperature has been simply wonderful to experience. You can always add clothes if you're cold, but it's sometimes hard to cool down when the temperature and humidity climbs too high. We moved here because we like the cool and rainy weather, compared to hot places like the Midwest. We lived in Boulder, Colorado, for 15 years and decided to move someplace for our retirement years that would be more comfortable. Mostly, we have loved it here, but it seems that the changing climate is causing more places to experience this awful heat.
The good part is that the fruits and vegetables are happy with all this sunshine and warmth. Those blackberries are the first to ripen, with lots more to come just for the picking. Although these are invasive Himalayan blackberries and many people spend time and energy getting them cut back, I can't help but enjoy the sweet berries we can pick alongside the trails during August. The two fruits I enjoy right off the vine are these, and wild blueberries. Yum!
:-)
Those sure are some beautiful blackberries! Growing up (into my early twenties) I spent a couple hot and scratchy summer afternoons with my grandma, picking blackberries for her jam, cobblers & pies. Now I'm tempted to go to the store and buy some!
ReplyDeleteLove fresh berries of any kind. Delicious
ReplyDeleteIt’s been hot here too and air conditioning is not common. However the breeze helps. You are right about climate change for sure.
ReplyDeleteNice plump berries. So glad you have gotten enough of a break to actually need a jacket. Hope it stays for you. We got a delightful break also but it is warming up again. It is 95 right now but that to me is doable. Over 100 and you lose me. It is all what we get use to.
ReplyDeleteI don't do heat at all well. Which is a shame because much of Australia (probably almost all of it) gets hotter than I like in the summer months.
ReplyDeleteI do love blackberries though and can remember going on family picking expeditions as a child. Yum. All we could eat, and pies and jams later...
The coolness in the mornings is wonderful. I got my PT done near an open window and then worked outside for an hour and a half. This evening we have a Sounders match. We'll all be happier around here.
ReplyDeleteI love blackberries and would be making jelly! :)
ReplyDeleteWhile we can add clothes in winter, there’s a limit as to hw many we can take off in summer, especially at our present ages. There are things that others shouldn’t be forced to see. 😀
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the blog so well and I hope you have something new for me to study.
ReplyDeleteកីឡាបាល់ទាត់
Those blackberries look delicious. I envy you the cool nights.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! This is so cool! And you don't have to worry about pesticides and such. Just natural fruit. Too awesome!
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