Yesterday was the first day of summer, that loveliest, bittersweet time of year when the day is as long as it ever will be. Yesterday’s first day of summer was hot and fine, and the evening cooled nicely—all in all a grand way to start the season. To cap off this day of days, there was also a full moon, the strawberry moon, and in Maine, appropriately enough, the strawberries are just beginning to ripen.
To celebrate, Clif and I went for a twilight bike ride. (In fact, Clif and I don’t really need much of an excuse to go on a bike ride, but when there’s a special occasion during the summer, we often go on a celebratory ride.)Ā We’ve been riding regularly for a few weeks, but after a long, inactive winter, the riding has been slow going. (Last year, for various reasons, we hardly biked at all.)
However, last night, as we zipped along, I felt the possibility of becoming the strong rider I was a few years ago, when I could ride for fifteen or twenty miles and still feel like going on another bike ride the next day. Clif and I have talked about going on some long bike rides this summer, and by gum I think it’s going to happen. How good this feels!
I brought my little camera, of course, and Clif and I took some pictures of Norcross Point.
When we got home, there was still plenty of daylight left so that we could have supper on the patio.
We duly and joyfully toasted the beginning of summer, and we are looking forward to many more bike rides before the cold weather keeps us inside. (Unfortunately, because we live in the woods and the sky was a little cloudy, we didn’t see the rising full moon.)
Finally, today is the anniversary of my mother’s birthday. Mom died eight years ago, and this would have been her eightieth birthday. I am so sorry that she did not live to celebrate this milestone birthday, and it makes me a little teary eyed to think of her.
In honor of my mother’s birthday, I am posting this prom picture where she looks like the Queen of June.
Happy birthday, Mom. Wish you hadn’t passed so soon.
Rochelle June Dansereau, June 21, 1936–May 28, 2008
Notes From the Hinterland 
Happy birthday Memere – definitely left us too soon!
On a happier note – so glad that you guys are going bike crazy again! Keep it up!! And happy first day of summer!! š
Yes, definitely too soon. Feels so good to be back on the bike with the possibility of being strong again!
The Queen of June. Lovely, indeed.
Thanks, Cheryl!
A nice photo of your pretty mom and a solstice birthday – very auspicious, I would think.
If we didn’t have so many hills around here, we might bike more. There are good trails in the valley ā we’d have to drive a half hour to get to them, but we’re not that motivated! š
Thanks, Eliza. We are lucky to live in a place with not that many big hills, especially since I have arthritis, and biking is the only way I can get a really good work out. And somehow, the exercise bike just doesn’t cut it š
I hear ya!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful Mom. It seems like you and Cliff are certainly having a wonderful summer. You go, girl, on that bike of yours. š
Thanks, Judy! Both Clif and I will be pedalling on.
So glad you are back to biking. Will cheer you on as you reach for your goal. Your mom left a wonderful legacy through you.
Thanks, Beth.
All the pictures are good, especially your Mum
Thanks, Derrick.
The summer solstice! These long, warm days are such a pleasure. Good for you for enjoying it all from your bikes. š What a beautiful picture of your mom. I am sorry that she’s passed away. Sunday was my first Father’s Day without my dad, and I got teary every time I thought of him. Take good care, Laurie.
Thanks, Carina. And I know how hard it is to have those first holidays without a loved one. But,to be mourned is to be loved.
I love the lake views, and of course the photo of your mom, she sure looks great. Although twenty years have passed, I still miss my mom. The little things like calling her to tell about something nice of nasty that happened or just to have a chat about our daily lives.
Good to hear that you have taken up biking again. I suppose (and hope) we are going to see some more photos of your trips.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Marga. We will always miss our mothers. And I will be sure to post photos of our bike trips.