One of the first signs of “true summer” for me is that lovely wildflower trio of chicory, Queen Anne’s lace, and purple thistle flower. They don’t always grow together, but more often than not, I see that charming color combination of periwinkle blue, ivory, and royal purple in fields and along roadsides. My grandmother told me once that they used to grind chicory root for coffee during the Depression. She said it didn’t taste very good, but it was the closest thing they could find for their morning drink.
I can’t believe we’re in July already! I remember as a child the summer break from school seemed to stretch endlessly and lose itself in the hot summer haze. Now, I hold my breath each time I walk into a department store hoping not to see the Back to School specials quite so early!
We had a nice family vacation in Chincoteague in the middle of June. It’s so nice to just chill for a bit. The water was still icy cold, so not many of us were brave enough to venture out to sea, but it was fun just sitting on the beach and watching the tide roll in. One day, some playful dolphins ventured close to shore, and the pelicans always put on a show for us. I also got to sample two of my favorite beach delicacies: street corn from Pico Taqueria and Marsh Mud ice cream from Island Creamery.
This summer, my two writing friends (Mary Smith and Barbara Finnegan – our collective pen name is Mary Fulk Larson) and I are finishing up the third book in our Custer’s Mill Mystery series. We hope to have all three books ready for purchase by the end of summer. Stay tuned for more information!
I hope you enjoy the short weeks of summer! Perhaps I’ll see you at the Bergton Fair!
Until next time,
Tammy
