There are plenty of reasons why I like summer. Here’s one, for example. The abundance of fresh produce is reaching its top, and every time I get to see the garden, my heart fills with happiness. And another reason is the calmer, emptier city - people move out and go for vacation - which means it becomes more bearable for those who stay in during summer.

Yesterday I found a moment for a little escape out of Ljubljana. The skies had mercy on me and delayed the storm for a few hours, so I was able to enjoy my walk in the countryside. It was just me, my photo camera, a pair of scissors and a wooden basket.

And this white-blossomed plant on the photo below is the one I came for (in case you’ve wondered about “scissors and basket” part) – yarrow, Achillea Millefolium, the most essential medicinal herb, in my opinion. And same as last year, I came to pick a couple of bunches of yarrow, to dry it and store it for the winter season. This is the herb that helps me maintain my health. My day does not pass by anymore without a cup of yarrow infusion.

What a beautiful day it was! In my family’s garden, I hand-picked these gorgeous raspberries (and got stung badly by a nettle; not a pleasant feeling, I can assure) and ate half of them on the same day! With the other half I prepared some delicious jam. I also brought with me a bag of yellow beans, a bunch of parsley, thyme and a lot of green pea pods, all from the home garden.

And as if that wasn’t enough already, my gradnma presented me with a couple of kilos of blueberries, freshly picked just a day ago by her friend who even brought some whole plants with berries attached – you can imagine how happy I was! I spent the rest of the day in the kitchen, processing all the produce, feeling immensely grateful – thank you, Summer!