June 20th marked the official beginning of summer. School just ended here, and up until a few days ago that was about the only indication that summer was approaching. Quite literally we've seen all four seasons in the last couple of months. Just as flowers were beginning to peek out from the dirt, we were hit with a snow storm. It was April 20 and school was cancelled as a result. Four weeks later, university students were lounging at the park in their bikinis. That was a holiday weekend at the end of May and it was the best weather anyone could have hoped for with the extra day off. Most everyone went to their cabins to relax, hike or enjoy a few wild rides on their ATVs. I actually found my sandals and wore them for the first time since last August. It seems that most folks here just need one good weather day to get through the next month. Once it hits 50 degrees (F) the kids wear shorts and tank tops. After all, it is summer.

Beautiful view of the harbor in early April

The snow piled up outside our kitchen door.

Throughout the spring I continued to volunteer at Maeve's school, chaperone several field trips with Liam's class and attend school sponsored events. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join Liam's class and watch him interact with his peers. I was also quite grateful that he continued to allow me to join the class on their outings. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it....at least that is what I am telling myself. However, the highlight of spring had to be when Michael and I finally got out for an iceberg tour. This was another creative gift from my husband and we loved the adventure.

Liam participated in a poetry contest. I was lucky to attend the reading.

Outdoor edcation field trip included orienteering, canoeing and archery. Beautiful day!

Our first attempt at an iceberg tour was cancelled as this fog bank rolled in.

The beginning of our iceberg tour- a small cave in Bell Island.

Lucky enough to grab a berg bit. It's in our freezer now. 10,000 years of frozen fresh water....will make for a wicked drink!

The rest of Spring was sprinkled with the occasional hike and many visits from the many neighborhood cats. Outdoor cats are pretty typical here. They particularly like hanging out on our patio furniture basking in the sun. Maeve and Liam love these feline visits. It's a win-win situation. We get the cuteness and cuddles, and then let them go to roam to get their other needs taken care of elsewhere.

We are happy to be entering summer now. Like all Newfoundlanders, we are hopeful for a kind summer. There is no rhyme or reason to the weather here. We are after all on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. While just over a week ago we were experiencing what they call Juneuary, this week summer weather is definitely upon us. Rest assured though, weather is still the first topic of conversation.