Just like that.

Without nary an announcement that this non-native could decipher, summer arrived and set up camp in every corner of the city.

Just two days ago, I was wearing the silk long underwear that my mom lent me as PJs; it was that cool at night. Now, I’ve taken the comforter out of the duvet cover. And I may not even need that (the duvet cover, that is).

Earlier today, sweat was running down my arms rivalling that of my experience in Cambodia five years ago.

Summer has arrived.

And with it are some of the most magnificent flowers. They can be seen all over the city in various public gardens.

And smelt . . . at the Parc de la Tête d’Or, next to the roman theatre, and in the rose garden near the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. All over the city, the sweet odour of roses has been catching my attention.

Here are a few of my favs.

Enjoy!

✫ Sj ✫

I haven't been the only person enjoying the roses.

Each one of these . . .

met my nose . . .

up close and personal.

Well . . . maybe not all, but most!

They were lost, but now they’re found!

It’s been interesting re-posting these pictures. Every shot transported me right back to California — to the highway, a path, a campfire, my tent. Each memory brought a great appreciation to have been able to spend a month with an amazing group of people.

That must have taken a lot of time, Sj! you say.

Yes, it did, but I managed to do a little here a little there, and before I knew it, they were all back up. : )

Why not just form a compilation and bag re-posting them all?

Because.

Because I didn’t want to.

Because I loved ALL the pictures I took, the people I met, the experiences we shared.This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For me. For everyone. Not being deaf, I was honored to be included.

Did I learn ASL? Some. Not as much as I would have liked. It’s hard! And takes time. Ideally, I’d like another immersion with some structured instruction too. But that will come along when the time is right. Meanwhile, I’d simply like to say THANK YOU to all the walkers, volunteers, friends who made donations and supported me along the way. THANK YOU!

And for a last little tasty treat, I send you FLOWERS! Flowers all shot on day four of the Walk for ASL.

Enjoy!