Summer?

Not officially -- but today it feels like summer has arrived, with brilliant sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures (71F / 22C at 5:45pm, when I'm writing this), and more of the same forecast for the next few days.

It's been a day of contrasts for us -- taking care of two little boys this morning for a couple of hours, a brief visit to the farmers' market for photos and provisions, and a memorial service this afternoon for the 34-year-old son of friends, killed in a tragic accident about a week ago.

This flower -- utterly radiant, yet ephemeral -- is a good reminder to live fully each moment we are given.