I'm glad you have rain, Melissa. The news was full of hail the size of tennis balls and freezing water in the streets, but obviously not near you. I think bart bart is in the heat zone, was almost overcome at her roses property, but made it home okay. Hopefully she'll see this and reply herself.

Good to hear from you, Melissa; I was getting a bit worried about you, seeing as you've been having health issues and all. Last night/this morning we DID get some rain-"blessed, blessed rain"!!!!! The heat has been dreadful; o, how I hate this time of year! At least we're almost done with July...

Ingrid, looking at the news I see that there has been so much damage done , due to the violence of the weather caused by cool, stormy fronts colliding with the impossible heat. Tragedy as well- a girl scout was killed by a tree that was knocked over in the storm. What can I say???

Bart, I'm glad you got some rain! And I hope milder weather will follow in your area, though it sounds like from Rome southward Italy is due for another heatwave. Also, your own health wasn't great not so long ago; I don't know how badly this heat affects you, whether it's just wearing, or actually dangerous. I hope you're holding up well, and taking care of yourself.

Our rain this morning only fell about an hour, but it came down substantially in that short period, and will help some. And according to the forecast temperatures will continue moderate for the time of year. For the most part we've been fairly comfortable up here, and, thank goodness, the summer is passing.

I continue poorly, mainly very low on energy. Fortunately DH maintains his belief in his own immortality and, though in his late eighties, gets out and mows the garden, which helps keep some of the worst of the creeping chaos of nature at bay. DD was home for several days, too, and will be back soon to lend a hand, driving me to medical appointments and running errands. She's passed all her exams and has only to finish writing her thesis, which she can work on as well here as in Milan.

And while I'm on health issues, unfortunately, Ingrid, I hope you and your husband are managing, and experiencing some good times. Your husband always sounded like such a great guy: I hope he continues to find, and be, light in the dark periods.

I'm so touched by your concern, Melissa. I hope that your health will also improve because I truly understand what it feels like to have no energy at all. However, I'm happy to say that my husband and I are both in good spirits, and grateful to have each other and to be able to spend this last part of our lives on a property we love.

How wonderful that both of you had some rain! Now there's a mood lifter if ever there was one.