Last week was one of enforced laziness at least as far as the afternoons were concerned. Any outdoor activity was confined to mornings before the temperature soared to the high 30s or in the evening when things cooled down to a more comfortable temperature.
Ruby wasn’t impressed that some expected walks didn’t materialise or were shorter than usual.
Following an exceptionally wet June in 1903, newspapers are said to have begun using the phrase ironically, and the association has lingered ever since.
This year June has certainly struggled to live up to its fiery reputation. After the warm, dry spell in May, many parts of the UK have seen a return to cooler temperatures, strong winds and frequent rain.
Some meteorologists refer to a recurring early-summer weather pattern as a "European monsoon", when moist Atlantic air brings unsettled conditions to parts of Ireland, the UK and north-west Europe. Whether or not that description is entirely accurate, it certainly feels as though summer has temporarily gone into hiding.
For most of last week, gardeners and plants alike took a battering from the wind, something that is not entirely unusual for this time of year.
Every year our cardoon is damaged by strong winds. As it reaches full size each summer it invariably becomes a casualty of the wind.
Ruby certainly wasn't impressed by last week's weather. Any thoughts of longer walks had to be abandoned in favour of shorter outings around the park.
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Summer must have taken to heart my comment last week that it had arrived early. It swiftly retreated, the temperature dropped and the sun paid us only a fleeting visit.
It has been just wet enough for any plans involving the outdoors to be constantly under review.
We had planned a day out at Dunham Massey but ended up staying local, which meant several visits to Nostell. We are avoiding Temple Newsam until it recovers from the damage caused by the recent music festival.
Summer arrived last week and made quite a dramatic entrance as temperatures soared into the 30s and thunder rumbled overhead.
It was a little early, as meteorological summer does not begin until 1 June, and astronomical summer this year starts at exactly 9:24 am BST on 21 June if we want to be precise.
Ruby had to miss a couple of walks because it was simply too hot. Fortunately, she had a visit from the groomer on Thursday and is now sporting her summer cut. She could really have done with a haircut a few days earlier, but appointments need to be booked well in advance.
The temperature eventually cooled enough for some walks, much to Ruby’s delight.
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