It’s hot. Yesterday I ran errands and posted a photo on Twitter showing my car’s dashboard registering an outdoor temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, two hours later it registered 103. I thank the Lord for air conditioning, but I feel for laborers whose jobs require them to work outside every day.

The grass is growing like crazy, looking thick and lush. Our lawn guy only comes every two weeks to mow, so our Australian Shepherd walks through grass up to his tummy.

These heat advisories are another excuse for me to let the weeds continue to flourish. Pulling a few on my early morning walk around the yard just isn’t getting it. But cooler weather will come. Eventually.

But you want to see some flowers, don’t you? Let’s do a quick run-through.

I’m so happy with my Limelight hydrangea. After it blooms, I’ll try to trim it into a better shape for next year.

Caladiums are a no-brainer in my yard. I didn’t plant any new ones this spring, so I’m still reaping the benefits of those I put out in years past.

Wow! The hidden gingers are thriving in a couple of shady areas. Sometimes you have to look deep into the foliage for the inflorescences, but that’s what makes them “hidden.”

Lantana is doing well in a little sunny strip at the end of the driveway. I weeded that area in June, so these plants have a bit of breathing room.

I bought this plant last year, thinking it was a white phlox, but fortunately, it turned out to be white plumbago. It spills over the little rock border that fronts this bed and has stretched into the limbs of my hot pink knockout rose. I’m enjoying the effect.

Finally, here’s a general collage showing a variety of other flowers that have bloomed this month. Most of these are dependable bloomers off and on throughout the summer.

Ecclesiastes  3:1  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

While the southern hemisphere is having its winter, and we are experiencing summer, the world keeps turning under God’s watchful eye. He doesn’t miss anything. He’s never surprised. In our bewilderment at what we see and experience, we may ask, “Why?” Or we may cry out, “How long, O Lord?” But He’s still in control. Our little, finite minds can’t comprehend the big picture. Our time is short. But the Almighty, Ever-present One, who loves us, is worthy of our trust and praise.

Have a good week, y’all.