Rain. Fog. Heat. Humidity. A cow in the road.

These have been the benchmarks of July this year. After a cool, sun-splashed spring, as if right on cue, steamy summer weather arrived in time for the Fourth of July. It rained on the parade but no one seemed to mind. Geranium-filled window boxes in Edgartown had a good long drink, and the hard-working landscapers who come around to water them every day caught a small break.

In Island gardens tomato plants are reaching for the sky, relishing the blanket of summer heat. Ocean waters are deliciously cool, perfect for late-day swims on a flood tide. On the sound, boats of every description dot the horizon as sailors, fishermen and day boaters bob through the tides and currents, a midsummer tableau fit for a painter.

Now about that cow. Late one afternoon this week a young Mermaid Farm steer cleared his fence in a field off North Road in West Tisbury where the herd has been grazing. The renegade steer kicked up its heels, frolicking in the farm road, stopping traffic. Allen Healy soon came to the rescue and the steer was reunited with his bovine family.

Looking a little wistful after all that newfound freedom.