Yesterday evening, my husband and I took the opportunity to celebrate the end of a long work week. Did we go out to dinner? Take in a show or movie? No, we just sat at home, but it was a special and lovely evening nonetheless. We’ve been “enjoying” an unusually cool and wet spring here in Southern Oregon, with temperatures rarely reaching our average in the 70s. The last few days, though, have seen sunny skies and near-80-degree highs. All the rain had brought plenty of lush growth to the garden, but blooms have been slow to appear. Suddenly, the flowers are popping out everywhere, and even the birds and insects seem to be rejoicing in the fine weather. Bees are suddenly buzzing in abundance, and the crickets have finally begun their summer-long symphony. We spent a half hour before dinner last night sipping a glass of wine on the patio, just relaxing in the warm, mellow light of the westering sun. A robin sat on the fence, chirping his cheery tune while his mate splashed vigorously in the birdbath. A family of doves cooed from the peak of our roof as our resident hummingbirds zinged around a flowering maple. Our small fountain sends a small cascade of water burbling over rocks, lending a soothing backdrop to the rest. We just sat back and enjoyed the burst of bloom over the climbing roses and peonies and the peaceful descent of a summer evening over our garden. While we look forward to several trips over the coming months, I’m always grateful to have this calming oasis awaiting my return. — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor