Folding bike back in action

My city bicycle, a foldable Dahon, developed a wobbly front wheel halfway through the summer last year, but I never got around to having it repaired. This week, I finally got to Belmont Wheelworks and gave the little bike "the works" -- two new tires and full tune-up. I picked it up last night and took it for a test spin, and it rides beautifully. Can't wait to ride it to work tomorrow.

Lightning at night

Silent lightning in the distance lit up the night sky on the northern horizon, revealing a towering thunderhead. In between flashes, the stars twinkled overhead.

Summer bargain

Hand-lettered cardboard sign on South Road, Harmony, ME: Worms. 1-1/2 dozen $1.25.

Harmony, ME, bike ride

Delightfully sweaty and muddy bike ride on a warm day in Harmony, Maine. I powered through the mud and gravel of the old railroad bed, fancifully dubbed Streamview Drive, then turned right on Bailey Bridge Road to Pickerel Cove Road for a rest stop at Great Moose Lake. The lilacs were still blooming, and summery buttercups began to peak out in the roadside weeds. Yellow warblers twittered and bullfrogs gulped.

A hot night in Allston

Darkness had fallen when we left the restaurant on Brighton Ave. in Allston, but the streetlights and bright storefronts gave the steamy night a soft glow. The sidewalks were thick with sauntering people in breezy dresses, shorts and flip-flops.

Summer 2013 begins with a look back

In typical New England fashion, Memorial Day weekend 2013 began with a chilly, drizzly day. Spencer, Beth, and I recalled the many times we went camping that first "summer" weekend. Anticipating warm, sunny days, we often huddled in the screen house in sweatshirts, warming our hands on mugs of tea and listening to the nonstop patter of rain on the roof.

July 11 - Backyard Barbecue

Gathered around a patio table with good friends. Salmon burgers, pickles and beans from the garden. Ice clinking gently in glasses. A cardinal whistling in the tree. Lilies, dahlias and bachelor buttons blooming.