Some Days… July 5

Some days just do not go according to plan. Maybe that should be most days, around here lately, anyway.

This morning, I optimistically dressed to ride, brought the horses in, and then noticed the pasture fence had broken. Yikes! Luckily, the horses had not escaped. Good thing the stream renovation equipment had helped catch the broken fence.

Plan B went into effect. I would not have chosen a day this hot for fence repair, had I another option, but at least the only plan for today had been riding and relaxing, which could be postponed. First thing I had to do was drive the Kawasaki Mule across the creek to dump some weeds. On the way I came across a magnificent black snake. I think this was my second encounter with this beautiful individual. I stopped for pictures.

Once I was taking pictures, I also saw some photo worthy fungus. It’s too dry for them now, but they patiently await rain.

I set to work, dismantling the fence boards, replacing two posts, and reconstructing the fence. Sounds easy enough, but it was brutally hot and took all day. Harry was a huge help, though I was loath to make him work in the heat. We both survived, marriage intact, and despite a lack of fence boards, we were able to make do with old boards and bits and pieces. Our order of 50 fence boards, made in November, is still on the books at the sawmill, but they are running behind, like everyone is, so we have used up all our good, long boards. The good news is that both posts extracted on the first pull, which is incredible good luck!

Bart was delighted at the turn of events, of course.

The cats rest through the hot days.

Hot, buggy weather is normal for Missouri in July. The horses are out at night, getting plenty of exercise with their tails.

The birds continue to eat voraciously. Today, at lunchtime, Squirrel Nutkin paid a visit. I do love the squirrels, but we rarely see them with Eddy about the place. I am grateful that Eddy’s presence has reduced deer consumption of lilies and hostas. We still see plenty of deer around, but they have learned Eddy’s boundary line.

Eddy is unperturbed by the continuing fireworks, but poor Weedy is very stressed and keeping to his bed.

And that was our holiday Saturday.

Be safe, be well. Stay cool and stay strong. Slava Ukraini! Peace…