Summer before it sizzled

Eugene Oregon is seriously HOT  right now.  We are also under a hazardous air quality alert because of a  wildfire in the eastern sections of Lane County, so I'm posting some memories from the earlier and prettier part of the season.       

Just like for almost everywhere these days, extreme heat and wildfire are both pretty much normal now for at least part of our summer months.   The current fires are not a danger to us here in the City, except for the smoke and air inversion.    We can only offer hope for the people affected by the flames.  For our own health, we stay indoors as much as possible.  Instead of any new day trips,  one of us is planning for the future and the other is documenting the past.   As usual,  I'm the memory person and Bill is the planner, but we do work together on both.   

All of the pictures in this post are very recent memories.  I'm still working on some posts from our June trip.  The ones directly below are from our son-in-law and daughter's yard back in July:

 

The butterfly was quite cooperative taking its time at each nectar stop.  I'm usually not that lucky with these flighty beauties.

 

 

The pictures below are even more recent -- from our trip to the Coast earlier this month.  (We probably should have stayed there -- it is always cooler at the Ocean!)  To be perfectly honest, even without the heat and smoke we would probably be staying close to home right now anyway.  We actually do a lot of that -- I just don't often blog about it.

 

 

This is Simpson Beach at Shore Acres State Park.  The  eerie tree trunk in the center picture is along the path leading from the beach to the "tamer" part of the Park.

 

 

At the end of one of the forested paths from the beach viewpoint, you arrive at this small gate.  On the other side, in just a few yards, you are in the middle of the precisely landscaped gardens of Shore Acres.   The entire park, including the beach, forest, lawns and gardens, was once the estate of  the Simpson lumber baron family.  Heirs donated the property to the State for public use.

 

 

We were kind of between flowering seasons at the Gardens, but there is always beautiful color and the Japanese-style garden and pond are so calm and restful.    We visit Shore Acres almost every summer -- one of my favorite State Parks.  I like the combination of wild and tame.

 

Store front mural, Bandon Oregon

I am grateful  for the memories  and enjoy planning for future ones.  But this week I'm especially grateful for   not-so-simple things that don't get blogged about -- the shade trees around our home that keep the outside temperature a little lower than the official reading and  the air conditioner and air purifier that continue to keep it comfortable indoors.  

LINKING THIS WEEK (and next) to these sharing opportunities:  

THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY;   SATURDAY CRITTERS ; MOSAIC MONDAY;  NATURE NOTES;  THROUGH MY LENS;  and MY CORNER OF THE WORLD      

Comments

[::: Heidrun]

We heard about in the News. The wildfire around the world are scary. What can we do against? We discuss with our friends about this...

...dear Sallie, I admire your wonderful picts.

Happy MosaicMonday ... on Friday too.

Thank you again for sharing, dear blogfriend and being part of
MosaicMonday

Wish you a wonderful week, hugs by Heidrun

[David M. Gascoigne]

I think it’s entirely reasonable, based on science and not on the puerile utterances of politicians, that wildfires are going to become more frequent, more widespread and more severe. I am beginning to wonder what will be left to burn a few years from now.

[Stewart M]

Everywhere seems so hot - its not a surprise is it. Our winter has been much dryer and a little milder than normal. Its not a good sign.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

[Sandy]

Lovely pictures. We've had air quality alerts also, and I'm in Ohio. Thus far though the summer hasn't been particularly hot, well until about a week ago. And today we're under a heat advisory, so it's good I got the yard mowed yesterday. Take care and drink lots of water.

[Linda, Shenandoah Valley]

Beautiful pictures! The wildfires are scary.

[Debbie]

i, like you, are home more than it seems from my blog. i enjoy being home. some events i blog about are short, one hour trips, the pictures taken can make up an entire post!!

we've had a very hot and humid summer too, poor air quality also which kept us indoors!!

that image with the tiger swallowtail is so pretty, i have 2 butterfly bushes that are the same color. i too am grateful for my memories and the pretty pictures that remind me how lucky i am...you too!!

[Dee]

That tree look fascinating. It must have been fun to photograph it. There are some interesting trunks like that on California's Central Coast too. :)
Enjoy your West Coast months! I hope the air clears up soon.
Take care. :)

[Veronica Lee]

Looks like Mother Nature is wreaking havoc with the weather everywhere with wildfires burning in so many countries.

Beautiful photos as always, Sallie.

Stay cool!

[Diane]

A beautiful post and lovely photos. It is hot here as well. Take care, Diane

[Beatrice]

Our friends who live in Springfield, OR, have been sending some photos showing the smokey skies and told us about the heat wave. We have been fortunate in Nashua, NH, to have not had such a hot summer, but have had some smokey days. Thank goodness for shade trees and AC. Thanks for the recent comments on my blog posts, Sallie.

[Michelle Banks]

Yes...hot summer hear too..that and smoke from fires up in Canada...scary...Michelle

[Sharon]

Happy that the temps are going down at least for a a few days. Air quality is getting better. My air purifier is staying in the green. Hopefully I will be at the coast in a couple of weeks with Julie and Lisa. Love your pics as always.

[Pat]

Beautiful photos, Sallie! I love the sun-bleached tree trunk photo so much--that is something that always catches my eye on nature walks. Being by the shore looked delightful. It was warmed up here this week but up to now, Colorado's weather has been a lot cooler than last summer, which has been very nice.

[Amy]

wow lots of lovely summer colour, about the only thing flowering here right now is um....nothing. Mind you it feels like Spring so hopefully we will have some colour soon.

[::: Heidrun]

Yes, we melting too. It`s summer - of course - but in several countries the climate changed in dramatically way. Most of the time of the day we stay inside...

...I enjoyed your captures of the coast, the animals and of course the gate to the parc.

Wish you a wonderful week.
Hugs by Heidrun

PS: The Streets of San Francisco calling me...

[Lavender Dreams]

It's been a hard summer for so many with heat and fires and smoke. I got out this morning and it wasn't too bad. I do love planning day trips too for the Fall. Love your photos. You take the best close ups!

[mae]

So many problems — our world is really in trouble. Good to hear that you are enjoying at least some of the summer happiness.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

[Aritha]

Thank you for the lovely blog with gorgeous photos. What a beautiful garden. I feel really sorry for you all, those wildfires and the extreme weather. When can you expect regular rains again? Not until autumn?

[Traude "Rostrose"]

Dear Sallie,
It's sad but you're probably right that wildfires and extreme heat are now becoming the norm in summer. And also the other extreme - flooding (as just recently in large parts of our country) - is becoming "normal"... Nevertheless, rainforests are still being cut down and nature is being concreted over, and water and energy are being wasted without a thought for tomorrow.
Let's get back to your fond memories - you brought back wonderful photos from your son-in-law and daughter's yard and your trip to the Coast. The plants at Shore Acres State Park look gorgeous!
All the best from Austria and have a nice weekend
Traude
🌼❤️🌼

[colleen Looseleaf]

It's pretty serious when Oregon is as hot as Florida. I want to smell that butterfly bush, the best fragrance, or at least up there with a fragrant rose.

[David M. Gascoigne]

Stay safe, Sallie. Those wildfires are getting too close for comfort.

[Shiju Sugunan]

I hope you're staying safe from the wildfires. Your photos are lovely, especially the flowers, butterflies, coastline, gardens, and mural.

[Eileen]

Hello Sallie,
Love the beautiful butterflies and the flowers. The Oregon coastline and the gardens are beautiful. I hope you and your family stay safe from the wildfires. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend.

[Michelle Keltner]

Well, I agree with being thankful for air conditioning. I grew up without it and know I don't want to live without it! Lovely photos and I hope your air quality improves. Thanks for linking up.

[Penelope Notes]

That uprooted tree looks like it's about to start walking away from the forest. A great find. In our home, it's about ten degrees cooler downstairs than it is upstairs and we have lots of shade trees for which I'm grateful, but they do need watering.

[Yogi]

It seems like everybody is having hot weather these days. With the bad air to go along with it, yes stay inside!!
Love your "alternate photos" The Oregon coast is beautiful.

[Peppylady (Dora)]

It been hot.
Coffee is on, and stay safe.

[Jennifer Jilks]

Nice to read about your regular activities, except for the heat! We've so many fires on this side of the border.

[Coloring Outside the Lines]

Sorry about the heat- we are melting in it also..I am sick of summer, but I say this every single year..I hate summer! Love the flowers, flutters and that tree...WOW. Have a great and hopefully cooler weekend.

[Peter B.]

Sorry to hear about your sizzling weather. We're getting ready for some serious rain and possible flooding in a couple days. Your photos of Simpson Beach are beautiful!

[Hazel]

Lovely views to see on a chilly, wet day in the UK Midlands! It’s actually about 16c., but breezy and raining heavily. We’ve had some warm days, but with sun, cloud and showers.
I don’t know how you cope with your present temperatures! I’ve air/con in a bedroom and lounge but never dreamed of present occasional temperatures.

[Eileen]

Hello,
I hope you stay cool and safe from those wildfires.
The photos and beautiful, love the flowers and butterflies, the gorgeous coastline scenes, the lovely gardens and the mural is beautiful. Take care, have a great day and happy weekend!

[docdivatraveller]

THis is such a happy post! Love the vibrant pictures! Summers in India are long...especially in New Delhi. It's not cool until November!
www.docdivatraveller.com

[ellen b.]

What a wonderful donation to the state that beautiful property is. We're spending time inside here, too. We just got very smoky skies from fires in Canada. We are so happy to have air conditioning. Love your photos from earlier in the summer.

[Photo Cache]

Nice to hear that you are safe from the fires. Hope you're doing well.

[DeniseinVA]

Oh goodness, that heat! I hope you are able to stay cool. I have never seen anything like that tree before, it's captivating. Many wonderful sightings here Sallie and thank you for sharing them.

[William Kendall]

Beautiful floral colours!

[Lydia C. Lee]

Lovely blue skies tho. #Skywatch (and if you see this Yogi, your pic is just lovely!)

[Lisa]

Our air here in the Rogue Valley isn't so bad, but, boy, has it been hot! 105, 109. Supposed to be cooler, but even the 90s feels hot. Lovely coast photos. I wish I were there right now.