Signs of Summer

This morning I laid in the sun listening to the radio.  Yesterday in Minnesota temps reached into the triple digits and the hosts discussed sure signs of summer.  Typical answers included the smell of charcoal wafting through neighborhoods, birds chirping at 4 AM, shirtless old men biking barefoot, and mosquito bites. 

My surest sign of summer's arrival is wrapping a final jar of last year's bounty.  Tonight's party host will receive this remaining bit of golden grape nectar, infused with fig vinegar and anise.  With any luck in a few months our vines will beget another two-day canning process of jam and nectar, and the tastes of summer past contained in a jar.