Days in the Pacific Northwest don’t get any better than this. The hydrangeas are opening, their blue as brilliant as the sky. Their opening signifies that summer has arrived. So do the ripening thimble berries. Among the best of all berries, you have to grow them to enjoy them. They are too delicate to pick, pack, and ship to market. You have to eat them off the bush.

On a perfect day, there is sign of trouble in the garden. Takuma 拓真 has discovered potatoes. I don’t let chickens in the garden as they will dig up and ravish the potatoes. Will I have to banish the dogs from the garden too? I hope not. Gardening without dogs is like a day without chocolate.