The monsoons are in full force here, and we have had rain three times this week already. It is glorious. There really is no nicer time of year here. The clouds build over the day, and by evening or sometimes night, the sky erupts in a show of lightning fireworks and then opens up with rain.

The plants are all much happier with natural rain than piped in water, and things are growing like mad. The pumpkins are making pumpkins, and melons should be fruiting soon. With the slightly  cooler temperatures, I’m hopeful for the tomatoes as well. (The plants are very healthy but no fruit setting in the heat.)

We have a busy summer this year. Yesterday was the annual Rodeo July 4 parade, which was a good one this year.

Next week, I’m heading off to a two-week summer writing institute. Then I have several trips from coast-to-coast for some really enjoyable work projects.

Between all that, we’re continuing work on the house. Some dry wall is going up, and we’re finishing the framing of some detail work (closets – yay!, the bar in the kitchen, etc.).