My summer hiatus from the blog is over. I've been out and about enjoying the weather, the flowers in my backyard, the trails at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre and a scenic drive to Fernie BC.

The combination of rain and hot weather has created a jungle in my backyard. The shrubs have grown at least a foot and the beebalm that is getting ready to bloom is more than four feet tall. The butterflies will be very happy. I have to say that it has been an amazing growing season.

The blooms on the geraniums, petunias and scarlet runner beans have been providing a smorgasbord of nectar for the hummingbirds. It is pretty exciting to be standing less than four feet away from the bean teepee to watch the hummers flit from flower to flower.

I have a hard time being comfortable in the summer heat but I am enjoying the beautiful colors and seasonal birds in the backyard.

More photos at https://www.facebook.com/outdoorrambling/