Early summer in McCall looks suspiciously like spring. We just returned from a two-week visit with the family and though it was mid-June the trillium, daffodils and tulips were blooming. The greens of grasses and shrubs were brilliant and the air so clean that everything seemed to shine.

It was swimming lessons, soccer practice and VBS time. We had the privilege of being with our three terrific grandsons and hauling them around to all of their activities. Kudos to Donnelly Bible Church which put on a killer VBS with the help of a team from a church in the Portland area. We  were housed in a beautiful three-bedroom condo overlooking woods. We were able to monitor the growth of Mr. and Mrs. Robin’s family on our deck. I think little baby robins and grandsons have a lot in common when it comes to eating around the clock.

Our last evening in McCall included a neighborhood barbecue at Quaker Hill. Neighbors were invited to eat and enjoy a tour of the camp facilities. Guest of honor was Mr. Bobcat who is thirteen years old and often attends events where children are allowed to be up close and personal with him. There are also rumors that a mother black bear and two cubs are in the neighborhood. It seems that with the late arrival of warmer weather the local wildlife are having a hard time finding enough food. Well, I’ll try not to think about that.

McCall is a gorgeous place all year round, but this trip was truly spectacular. The run-off from the melting snows made each river and stream churn with life and Payette Lake was sparkling blue. Now summer will come for real and there will be swimming, water skiing, kayaking, sailing. Then a brief fall where the yellows and browns dominate the greens and before they know it, winter snows will return.