The dog days of summer are here. The intense heat induces a calmness, a laziness and a kind of torpor that rests and recharges the mind and body ready for the crazy start of the teaching year in September and October. Although I’m now retired, my whole being is still geared to that relentless twelve week timetable that leaves you crawling to the Christmas break. But now? I’m trying to learn new ways. Walking the beach, taking in the ion-rich air that makes you sleepy, and working in the garden.

The statuesque agapanthuses are still going but newly arrived are the flaming reds and oranges. The garden is on fire with cannas, nasturtiums and “sparkle horses” – crocosmias that grow wild here.

The yellows are out in force too with the begonia and canna pots shouting for attention amongst the agapanthuses.

Change is coming though. The days are shorter and the evenings a bit cooler. We had a summer downpour the other day which gave the loveliest rainbow falling into the sea.

It was a moment’s pleasure. Within a few minutes it was gone. Back to work harvesting and preparing summer veggie suppers.

A lost right whale has been spotted up the coast, and our local dolphins have been feasting on the abundance of food lately. They’re too fast for me to catch on camera but here’s our local lobsterman out early checking the pots. Maybe something in there for the table later on.

Meanwhile, all is peaceful here.