midsummer

“I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.” –Oberon, A Midsummer Night's Dream   Happy Midsummer! This is the shortest night and the longest day in the northern hemisphere.  While it's not cooling down any time soon, this is the end of the lengthening days, and it is a slow march to winter from here on out. Astronomically speaking, this is the beginning of summer and precursor to the hot Dog Days.   In many European traditions, this is the night to burn bonfires and pluck golden flowers to keep evil spirits from your doorstep for the rest of the year.   It is also traditionally thought to be the night of the year that magic is strongest, so watch out!…