Life Along Lake Michigan

Summer in the Midwest

Posted by: JanesVacation, 12:59 AM GMT am 20. Mai 2012

Summer seems to arrived here in the midwest. All of the spring flowers have died away and the summer annuals have replaced them. I hung up my hot pink geranium yesterday and planted 2 flats of annuals in the ground where the sprinkler will help me to keep them watered. 3 large pots of colorful annuals round out my summer decorations.
The rest of my garden will soon be abundant with hostas, buttercup, yellow and orange daylilies and in July the back eyed susans will make their appearance. We had a mild winter, so we are assuming Lake Michigan will warm quicker than usual. No ice formed this year and the temperatures have averaged above normal for May. Many years go by when I just dip my toe in the "big lake" as we call it. Our pool has a heater that warms it to 82+ degrees, far exceeding any temperature the lake could ever achieve. At best, 75 is about the peak temperature in July for Lake Michigan. A bit chilly, even for a Northener like me!

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1. shoreacres 12:43 PM GMT am 20. Mai 2012
I'm just laughing. It's almost time for the geraniums to die, here. They're one of my favorite flowers, but they don't do well in the heat, and we're getting plenty of that. I'm going to try and actually get my patio cleaned up and then go out to the garden center and see what they recommend for shade blooms - I have one hook where I can hang a bougainvillea, but most of my territory doesn't have enough sun for our typical tropicals. ;) Soon your school year will be over - it's just amazing to me how quickly time has flown. Somehow I still feel like it's early spring. Not so! Member Since: Oktober 4, 2004 Posts: 195 Comments: 14790

2. JanesVacation 12:12 AM GMT am 21. Mai 2012
Geraniums are one of the annuals that do very well here in the midwest - everyone seems to have them either in the ground, in pots or in hanging baskets! They add the bright color that we all want for the summertime. Petunias are the other popular annual - but after the 4th of July they begin to get a scraggly appearance, so I avoid them. 91 here in Holland today for the second day in a row. I'm watching the radar and a thunderstorm is brewing up over Lake Michigan bringing the cold front with it. It will only be a high of 70 on Monday and Tuesday. It was hot enough today to put my shorts on and power washing our siding. The spray felt good and a lot of the accumulated moss came rolling down. No soap required - just a good spray down was all it took. School is out in 12 days - can't wait! Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

3. PugetSoundPost 12:25 AM GMT am 21. Mai 2012
Your hanging basket is lovely! We, too, feature geraniums in our yards a lot - usually in pots or hanging baskets (I have both going), but also in the ground, which I am doing for a first time this year. They really thrive in our summer climate, which typically does not get too hot. Petunias are another very popular flower for us in this area too! I have always done a lot with them over the many years - all the same ways - pots, hanging baskets and in the ground. They do well, but for us, too, by mid summer it begins to be downhill for them and over the last couple of years I have cut way back on them as well. They don't look very fresh for too long during the season. That makes geraniums a bigger draw as they look much better, much longer, overall, and are easy for us to maintain. Other flowers I like are zinnias, which I start from seed in the ground or pots, and impatiens in the shady areas. We are famous for our mossy roofs, but we do try hard to keep that to a minimum. That seems easier than all the moss in the grass that grows around here. It is nice that your weather has made such a "summer turn". We have had a much better May than the last few have been, but right now we have gone very far backward. A lot cooler, rain settling in for the next few days, and likely breezy by tomorrow. Nice for the yard and gardens. You will be out of school long before the kids around here. They would be quite envious! Member Since: Oktober 8, 2001 Posts: 155 Comments: 612

4. JanesVacation 09:30 PM GMT am 21. Mai 2012
School is coming to an end - the 8th graders have their last day a week from tomorrow. (They get out a bit earlier as a graduation "present!" It's sunny and 60 here this afternoon. I needed a coat for my daily after school walk to the beach. It was really nice to have the cool breeze after the hot, 90 degree weekend. Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

5. JanesVacation 01:11 PM GMT am 28. Mai 2012
Memorial Day weekend has felt more like the 4th of July! Sunny, warm 90F! Enjoyed a trip to my hometown on Saturday with my sister to attend a bridal shower for my niece. Young love is very sweet. Spent the rest of the weekend with the hubby. We grilled, swam in the pool and just had some free time to putter around the house. Always repairs to be done!!! 8 more days of school - feeling rested and ready to finish up the school year! Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

6. PugetSoundPost 02:41 AM GMT am 01. Juni 2012
Sounds like you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! All of your activities sound like a lot of fun and special times too. No 90's for us. The last two or more weeks have been cooler, cloudier and rainier than the first half of the month, but rather typical for us. Summer is a ways off yet. The wedding is making progress. This week I finally got the invitations ordered! That feels big to me! And I am working on putting together my dress and accessories, getting close to perhaps saying "I have it!" And, a lot of random details pop up each day. Even if I only give them thought! I was happy this afternoon to find out that my daughter's shoes that were ordered may actually work! I am sure you are getting excited to finish school soon! We still have just under three weeks to go before our last high school graduation! It is the latest ever for our family. Member Since: Oktober 8, 2001 Posts: 155 Comments: 612

7. sandiquiz 07:57 AM GMT am 01. Juni 2012
White Rabbits, White Rabbits, White Rabbits - Wishing you a Very Happy June. "I can't help but wonder how the World would be, If like the butterfly and rose we lived in harmony." Bernard Howe SUMMER is on its way :)) Member Since: Oktober 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22398

8. JanesVacation 04:30 PM GMT am 03. Juni 2012
The final week of school is here. I have just 4.5 days until we are out for the summer. It is always amazing to finish up another school year! My nephew graduated from High School this week. My sister and I raised a combination of 5 children through the same school system - so it is the end of an era for us. Sadly, she is divorcing her husband and leaving town. She lived about 5 miles away from me for 26 years - I will really miss her. Technology will keep us close. Weather is clear and cool today. We just finished some cool, damp days and it will be nice to be back into the sunshine again. My flower seeds are only up about 2 inches, but they have been well watered! Hopefully, they will all start growing again in the sunshine to come. Bring on the summertime.... Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

9. sandiquiz 09:22 AM GMT am 04. Juni 2012
Some images from Jubilee Sunday. Two days down and two to go! Happy Monday to you :) Member Since: Oktober 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22398

10. JanesVacation 07:18 PM GMT am 05. Juni 2012
A perfect June day here in the midwest. Sunny with a few scattered cumulus clouds and a spring like 72F. I went for a walk and took pics of the spring flowers and plants along my route. This wild rose was a favorite. Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

11. PugetSoundPost 06:13 AM GMT am 06. Juni 2012
Your photo and description of the day is very different from ours today! One inch plus of rain has fallen and it has been a very dark and gloomy day. More on the way soon. Your sunny photo is a sight for sore eyes! My dress is plain navy, with some silver sparkle around the neckline, and tea length. I ordered it online, from Nordstrom (did you know that Nordstrom was founded in Seattle, many decades ago? It used to be Nordstrom Best, when two stores merged long ago: Nordstrom and Best. "Best" was a shoe store originally, thus Nordstrom's heavy emphasis on shoes to this day), after buying a dress from a Macy's store. I just took that dress back last week, finally. I think I am pretty well set on this navy dress now. It is feeling like the wedding is sort of a "mail-order" wedding, with so much being done online now. At least no mail-order brides! School is nearly out for you! Such a good feeling when it happens! Member Since: Oktober 8, 2001 Posts: 155 Comments: 612

12. SBKaren 01:37 AM GMT am 07. Juni 2012
Hi Jane! So you're out this week. We get out next week. Thursday, June 14th is the kids last day, then we have teacher check out on Friday. There is so much that I am literally taking one day at a time. So much to do at the end of the year. This year we have two teachers retiring, and about 5 teachers moving grade levels. Every change effects me and the media center, so we are working hard everyday to keep our heads above water. This week is our Teacher Appreciation Week and our PTA is spoiling us rotten. What a wonderful, supportive parent group we have. Enjoy your last few days, and congrats to your nephew! Both my girls went to school in the district that I currently work in. All the way through - K-12. I've been working in the district nearly 25 years and now my daughter works in it too. She's been in the district for about 10 years!! Member Since: Februar 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14182

13. JanesVacation 12:43 PM GMT am 10. Juni 2012
Warm and dry here again today. 85 yesterday, 90 predicted today. Perfect day for swimming and taking it easy! School is over, but I have two days of library inventory to do on Monday and Tuesday. The task is easy with few distractions. Preparing for vacation after that is finished! I took this picture while walking down our road last Thursday. Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

14. JanesVacation 10:42 AM GMT am 11. Juni 2012
72 warm degrees here this morning. Cooler temperatures predicted this week and then another warm up for the weekend with highs in the 90 degree range again on Saturday and Sunday. We have not had any rain for about 10 days, so the sandy ground is very dry and dusty.Slight chance of rain this afternoon and then looks like a dry period for another week. I'm heading over to school this morning for library inventory. My second job at school is working as librarian. Most teachers have a second job during the summer, but I have my second job during the regular school year. Works out great and I enjoy the variety. Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

15. sandiquiz 07:18 AM GMT am 13. Juni 2012
I am coming to you for the weekend - we are expecting even more rain, and highs of only 56-60 ... these are not the norm for June, which should be 75-80! Have fun with the books :) Member Since: Oktober 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22398

16. PugetSoundPost 01:49 PM GMT am 15. Juni 2012
Wow! It is summertime for you! We are still waiting, although the sun is out this morning. We have been in the 60's all week with a lot of clouds and light rain at times. My daughter and I were at a swim meet last evening and it was too cool out in the evening air, especially if standing/sitting idle too long. Today is my youngest's last day ever of high school class, even though it is finals and an abbreviated schedule. The end of an era is surely upon us now. Graduation next Tuesday! I am sure you are really happy to be on summer break now! When is your trip to Italy? Is it still on in spite of the earthquakes over there? Member Since: Oktober 8, 2001 Posts: 155 Comments: 612

17. JanesVacation 01:31 PM GMT am 16. Juni 2012
Image courtesy of http://inspire.grafea.co.uk/2010/07/14/travel-2/ Hubby and I are packing up for tomorrow's departure to Bologna, Italy. I'm nervous, but he has been there many times on business, so I should feel confident! Excited to see the many sights I have heard so much about. Not sure I will be prepared for the ancient Roman architecture in Florence, Rimini and Venice. I'm sure the sights will be breathtaking. According to WU, the heat is also on. Highs in the mid to upper 90's next week will likely wilt me like a midwestern wildflower. Heat is my enemy. I purchased a floppy hat and some lightweight cotton shirts to wear along with plenty of sunscreen. I know that A/C is scarce in Italy. My husband has reassured me that lots of shady cafes will be part of our plans! Ciao! Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

18. sandiquiz 01:34 PM GMT am 16. Juni 2012
Have a wonderful time ... we expect PHOTOS!! Take care, and shout HI as you fly over the UK :) Member Since: Oktober 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22398

19. shoreacres 04:50 PM GMT am 16. Juni 2012
Oh, wonderful! I'm so glad I discovered your wonderful trip before you actually left! I have a friend who traveled to Italy last year, and she enjoyed every minute of it. She was there in July - she said it was hot, but not unbearable. There's lots of café sitting that goes on! Have a great time! Member Since: Oktober 4, 2004 Posts: 195 Comments: 14790

20. PugetSoundPost 12:22 AM GMT am 17. Juni 2012
Wishing you a WONDERFUL trip, full of exciting and fantastic adventures!! Member Since: Oktober 8, 2001 Posts: 155 Comments: 612

21. sandiquiz 07:33 AM GMT am 22. Juni 2012
Hope you are enjoying your holiday. I pulled the weather station for Bologna and it says thunder storms! I hope not! I keep seeing you pop up on Skype :-) Member Since: Oktober 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22398

22. JanesVacation 01:11 AM GMT am 29. Juni 2012
I'm back - thank you all for the good wishes. We had a fantastic trip, it was really the trip of a lifetime. On the plane on the way home we tried to figure out where we could go to top this experience - it will not be easy. Since this is a weather blog...I will say that the weather was hot, hot, hot! The air-conditioning in most places was almost non-existent! We had a lovely hotel near the main piazza in Bologna which was a cool oasis to return to each evening after a long day of walking in the sun. Thanks for checking the weather Sandi, but we only saw a sprinkle of rain one afternoon and it was welcome to cool us off as we walked the 15 minute hike through town from the train station. I have pictures - only about 300 of them. :) someone is going to have to tell me how to post them here without using the WU upload page. (It just takes too long and I have to save them all to my computer first in order to orient them in the right direction.) I have them all in a Picassa album and in iTunes. I'll post a few if it is easy! Time for bed - I'm still not adjusted to the 6 hour difference in time. Good thing I am a vacationer for awhile. The Mister had to return to work on Tuesday! Member Since: Juni 21, 2008 Posts: 258 Comments: 1253

23. SBKaren 01:28 AM GMT am 29. Juni 2012
Hi Jane! I didn't know you were traveling to Italy until I saw something on Facebook! How wonderful! Please do post pictures. I'll tell you how! We're leaving on our vacation a week from Saturday. Nothing as exciting as Italy, but a place that has my heart and soul anyway - Lake Tahoe! We have a teacher at our school that is getting married this summer and they are honeymooning in Italy. I'll enjoy your photos and HERS! I've been, but eons ago. While I know a lot will have remained the same, some things are surely different! Member Since: Februar 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14182

24. sandiquiz 11:20 AM GMT am 29. Juni 2012
The comment in my blog about the heat you have answered here...but you obviously ignored it so you could have a great time!! I can tell you how to get photos from Flickr, but if you belong to FB, Karen is the person who can help you best:) Member Since: Oktober 29, 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22398

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