SUMMER solstice has passed and we have experienced our longest day of the year.
The cosmic ballet goes on, as it has since time immemorial, and humanity has always held these occasions as significant.
The Summer solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the Sun gives us during the long nights of summer, both to our actual crops but also to the continual journey we travel from darkness to light.
In the days leading up to the summer solstice, the ancient Romans celebrated Vestalia, a religious festival in honor of Vesta, goddess of the hearth.
These days people are no less reserved and some will have marked the longest day of the year dancing around outdoor fires in varying states of dress.
And with all that done and dusted it is finally time to roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.
For even the most ordinary and mundane parts of life are more pleasurable with the sunshine on your back.
Conversations with an awkward neighbour, the walk over the bridge to get a pint of milk in the morning and even dodging of dog mess.
All become slightly less of a chore when the sun is shining.
Of course long trips are not the most pleasurable on a hot day but then that is why some genius invented ice lollies.
I am sure we will all dop our proverbial hats to this unchampioned genius at some point during the summer when the sunny days return.
Until then, stock up and prepare and ensure you are ready to enjoy summer.
A pair of birds feeding or fighting. Picture by Paul Meakin.
A kingfisher. Picture by Michael Cole.
Hilltop views near Llangollen. Picture by Marian Morris.
A grasshopper. Picture by Paul Meakin.
A canal side walk to Carreghofa. Picture by Mary Morgan.
Flower power. Picture by Andrew Moz.
This hoverfly is sometimes called 'The Footballer' due to its stripy thorax. Picture by Paul Meakin.
Chirk Castle under the sun. Picture by Lesley Hughes.
A sheep in Llanforda. Picture by Julie Sheffield.
A sculpture at Pontcysyllte aqueduct. Picture by Marg Kelsall.
A nosy swan in Ellesmere. Picture by Philip Page.
A morning in Ellesmere. Picture by Marg Kelsall.
Ammi Majus silhouetted by the evening glow of the sun going down on the longest day of the year. Picture by Rosie Hindley.
Always be careful where you step. Picture by Julie Sheffield.
Hot air balloon action. Picture by Jody Wilson.
Ellesmere mere under the morning sun. Picture by Jill Adger.
A wild rabbit in Llanymynech. Picture by Mary Morgan.
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