What happened to July? Seems as if it got washed away with seven straight weeks of rain! While we all feel mildewed, Birchwood’s gardens are spectacular, a riot of color!

With a plethora of concerts at Tanglewood, theater at The Berkshire Theatre Festival and Barrington Stage Company, dance at Jacob’s Pillow plus hiking and watersports — it’s summer in the Berkshires.

My friend Piper is not a happy camper these days. She has wandered once too often and is now being trained for the Invisible Fence. She is doing just great and won’t go within six feet of a flag! At last she is learning to stay home where we belong!

Foodie highlights of the summer: Country Rhubarb Cobbler Cake and Chilled Peach Soup with Lemon Bread Croutons are but two of the guests’ summer favorites. And speaking of foodies, Ellen and seven innkeeping friends across the US have a new blog — www.bedandbreakfastfoodie.com. Please visit and indulge!

I’d better take a dog nap before check-in time! Woof!