I went for an early morning walk along the edge of the vineyards in a small valley near Bandol in Provence.  The grapes were ripening and the wildflowers dying, but the insects, especially the dragonflies, were out in force.  The sun was very hot and the air extremely dry and dead leaves and dry earth cracked under foot.  There was a small stream at one side full of demoiselles and other insects.  At the other end the fading lavender bushes were alive with bees and the air full of the sound of cicadas.