By ELEANOR S. MARTIN

Suddenly it is July. By the time you read this we will be far into the month of July- reaching for August. We know summer is here for we see farmers displaying their produce along the highways- freshly picked berries, corn, tomatoes and squash. Usually you get your money’s worth and sometimes even a baker’s dozen.

When we moved to our house here in St. Matthews 20 years ago, the first flower to greet us was the hollyhock blooming along a white picket fence, but the hollyhocks are still blooming along a chain like fence. They recycle every year. They grow quite tall and bloom all summer. Now they are mostly reds and pink. I love that.

Our mailman, upon retiring several years ago said, "Save me some hollyhock seeds to plant in my garden."

Sit on the front porch (if you have one) sip lemonade and raise your glass high and give a toast to summer. Maybe now you use a deck out back. The fireflies are out in numbers. They seem to compete with the constellations. Our dog is chasing around jumping and trying to catch them.

I remember growing up how we planned for the 4^th of July picnic. Our favorite spot was Sulphur Well, an old stone mill in use no more. The picnic grounds were perfect. Someone had a dream of restoring the mill and opening a hotel. That’s what happened. It had a claim of making history. We are told that Abraham Lincoln’s father, Thomas, was a stone mason and helped build the first structure. It is located on KY 448 four miles east of Brandenburg. It opened as a hotel and restaurant and is known as Doe Run Inn. Its scenic beauty is enhanced by a stream that runs through the property. It is stocked with trout. There was a time when deer and elk were common to see near the stream- any bears? No! Bears had never been discovered there.

I ate lunch there Mother’s Day this year. I found at the lunch bar watermelon rind sweet pickles. My mother used to make them. My memory was bringing back days past. There was a craft shop in the lower level. I didn’t go down. I always get carried away when I tour those shops.

Which reminds me…In my attic back home I found a cross stitched piece framed "Remember Me" made by one of the family. I wish I knew who. This type of needlework is very much in vogue today. Someday I may find a place to hang it before I get too old to climb stepladders. Now it’s your turn- Perhaps you too have a favorite spot for a picnic?

Mary Eleanor on her porch with her Mother’s Day hanging basket.