Days of Wine and Roses...Uh, Make that Sun and Lilies

I'm one of those people who really hates cold weather. My fingers and toes seem permanently frozen from November to March. I've been known to take two baths a day during the winter months just to thaw out. Friends and family have heard me say repeatedly that I'd rather be hot than cold.

But...this June has caused me to rethink my position. Record heat has left me feeling wilted, lethargic, and downright irritable. I worry about how reliant I am on air conditioning and live in fear of a power outage.

Fortunately, some of Mother Nature's creations seem to be weathering the heat far better. So here's a toast to the lilies of summer, those hardy, heat-resistant blooms that bring a smile to my sweaty face.

Two Tortie Kitties Looking for a Home

Meet Jasmine, an adorable 9-week-old tortoiseshell kitten. This poor white-socked babe ended up at the shelter without mom or siblings when she was only 5 weeks old. Kittens like that have such a small chance of making it, but thanks to excellent veterinary care, this one did. She was later paired with a slightly older lookalike orphan, Jessie (below), and their companionship likely helped pull them both through those rough early weeks.

Jessie and Jasmine are up for adoption from the SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George's County and would make lovely additions to any home.