Mary in the front gardens on the Killington Road.

Mary in the front gardens on the Killington Road.

A cool, mild, version of summer has arrived early to Killington. All around town, flowering trees and gardens are in bloom. The tree canopy in the forest is extremely dense for this time of year, probably running 2-3 weeks ahead of normal. In a word, the Green Mountains are "Green".

What this means for the rest of the summer is uncertain, given the variability of New England weather. But, If I were to make a guess, I would think that the summer should be a cool one on the mountain, as sunshine is now effectively cut off from supplying any more heat to the ground by the leaf canopy.

It's now been just a week since my shoulder surgery. Life is slowly establishing a new normal. I have been cleared to use my left hand to type for instance, so I am no longer doing hunt and peck at the keyboard. Physical therapy begins next week. The goal for the next month is to be able to move my left arm through a full range of motion by having someone externally assist me, or by using my right arm to move my left. The doctor wants to minimize shoulder and biceps muscle contractions for the next month to allow time for the muscles to heal. I am a long way off from swinging a golf club.... but maybe by the end of the fall.

Wherever you may be, get out and enjoy summer.... and don't forget your sunscreen.