Under Solstice Sun
Break out the streamers!
Today, Tuesday, was the first day of Summer. It was also the season’s solstice, making this the longest — sunniest — day of the year …. Cause for Druid-ish celebration, gluttony-inducing feasts and pyramidal monument building throughout history, I quietly danced a solstice jig at arriving home with enough sunlight to shoot these scenes from the Rancho’s garden. Riverside reached a high of 95° this afternoon, and it was still plenty warm at 7:30 p.m. … feel that heat, light?
Brugmansia’s summer fanfare has angelic overtones.
_____________
Pride of Madeira greets the season with a laid-back attitude.
_____________
Lucky horseshoes hoist sun-worshipping succulents.
_____________
Summer dressing? Sticks-on-fire go lime green
_____________
A festive echeveria rocks that ultra-violet.
_____________
Buttercup blossoms make eyes at a cactus apple.
_____________
Fringe-dwelling fruit lives life on the edge.
_____________
Prickles, poppies and Rancho ‘R’; Summer 2011 is now!
Rancho Reubidoux 
It’s hip to be square! Sorry, couldn’t resist. I love the square format and cross-processed looking colors, gives a whole new take on your homestead!
I loved how the colors really reflected how bright and light it was so late in the day… still: not feeling the heat!
I enjoyed the heat from here.
Awwww … you mean it’s not hot there?
It is getting warm, isn’t it? (115° yesterday!) Every year we (read: me) know it’s coming, but every year when it gets hot, we cry and complain about how we can’t believe it is so hot outside. It’s a tradition, I guess you could say. Your yard’s looking lovely, btw. Brugmansia’s out of control!
I KNOW! As my co-workers observe continually: “You hate the heat, yet live in Riverside … ??” Unbelievably, they ask for consistency, even after knowing me for more than 15 years in some cases!
i’m jealous of your heat! we are still juny gloomy here. your garden seems to bask in the warmth and simply glow!
You officially have my permission to help yourself to our heat whenever you like! May I suggest all of August?