A recent, book-based televised series made a very great big deal about winter being on its way. Such a big deal was made that even non-readers and non-viewers could barely avoid the repetitions of a key phrase. They definitely could not avoid the memes. Reality check.
Now, securely enfolded and embraced by the early promise of spring – buds tantalizingly tipping twigs on every tree; hyacinths and daffodils making preparations for their dazzling display; migratory birds returning in full-throated chorus – one is reminded: Summer is Coming.
For those of us who visit suite E at Tabby’s Place, there are two principal reminders of summer that are present daily, or, more aptly, who are daily presents. These two non-seasonal, perfect gifts are Sunflower and Princess Peach. The reminders they elicit of the beauties of summer go far beyond their names.
Even so, Sunflower’s name is a perfect tribute to her golden glow. The sound of her contentment when the recipient of superior skritching puts one in mind of the crickets and peepers heard as a summer’s evening sinks to night. Sunflower’s sweetness tells tales of honeys of every sort, reminding us of the bees as they buzz about during their busy season.
It is no accident that Sunflower arrived at Tabby’s Place, in her fullest bloom and during the heat of July. Unsullied and undaunted by the skin cancer on her nose, this charming creamsicle brightens her preferred berth as magnificently as the award-winning giant sunflowers brighten the local August fair’s agricultural tents while awaiting judging. Their showy crowns may be 
stunning, but our Sunflower has already won all of the blue ribbons.
Recently introduced among Sunflower and her suitemates, Princess Peach is also definitively award-worthy. Sweeter than the summer fruits (and quite a bit fuzzier) when they reach peak ripeness during the apex of summer’s swelter (US zone 6b for interested gardeners), Princess Peach is truly peachy. She is more lush and lovely than the deepest greens of August in its fullest leaf.
To some, Princess Peach’s eyes might appear askant or askew, but that is only because her attention is on issues more vast than what or who is directly in front of her face. Do not mistake this for inattentiveness or disinterestedness. Princess Peach is possibly ruminating over the affairs of the Mushroom Kingdom where she just might reign in a different guise. When spending 
time with our petite sovereign, her beneficent rule over our hearts is as graceful as it is gentle.
Surrounded by such magic as Sunflower and Princess Peach wield, it is easy to fall (pun intended) into the blissful repose that marks the dog days of summer. One is put in mind of lemonade and porches, rocking chairs and freshening breezes. That soft rustling that you hear might be a gentle wind bringing promise of what will follow. Or, it could be the purr of a marvelous cat who offers more richness than the greatest summer bounty.
Author’s Note: Glorious beyond measure, spring is the season that brought Princess Peach to her forever home. How much more wonderful that is than the juiciest summer fruits!