Since we knew that they were the stuff of wildfires heralding from Canada, we cranked up the air conditioner and lamented the loss of clean air and countless forests.
Turning down Pond Bridge Road, we noticed holes in the fabric. Bright blue smudges began peeking out of the clouds.
By the time we passed acres of potato plants in the gardens at Ferolbink Farms and coasted down the boat ramp within a few feet of the Sakonnet River, the sun had banished the smoke and reclaimed the sky.
Needless to say, so far it has been a most unusual summer.
In addition to darkened skies, it has been incredibly and unseasonably hot.
New England weather is known by its variability, and we natives are accustomed to the constant up-and-down trajectory of the thermometer. This brings about days of hot and cold and some in between.
But this summer we are stuck in Saharan-like climes and long bouts of thunder and lightning. In fact, a dark cloud covered the annual Fourth of July parade in my small town. Consequently, the townspeople thought they could wait out the torrential rains and winds with their skimpy umbrellas. Not a chance.
As far back as we can remember, the clan has always gathered at the summer house on Independence Day. But this year the tradition was broken due to a storm threat issued by the meteorologists. Instead, we descended on my mother's house and cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on an old charcoal grill and ate in the garage.
Of course, the clouds cleared for a little while; but we left early in the pouring rain. No volleyball this year.
Last week my brother and nephew attacked the invasive thorny weeds that had wrapped themselves around the summer house, the wooden shed, and the well house, a force to be reckoned with.
Every summer the Creator sends us deep purple morning glories which climb up the porch and big, blue, beautiful hydrangeas that welcome guests at the front of the house.
Now there is much more work to do. Without constant vigilance, the invasive weeds and their nasty thorns will vanquish these seasonal flowers.
Unfortunately, they seem to really enjoy cloudy days. .
