This summer has flown by, but is mellowing as the baked California earth and fattened wildlife slows to a simmering laziness around me. School has started, putting the family back on a consistent schedule and the baby is now officially toddling. We picked ten pounds of blueberries to catch the last sweetness of the season, but are still waiting on the tomatoes and dahlias, due to a chilly June.

Speaking of waiting, thank you to all you authors who have been patiently waiting for a respon...