It is hot. We really don’t need the weatherman telling us that there is an “excessive heat warning”. That just makes it seem hotter.
The horses had another day off. We had a visit from a real photographer, Taka Yanagimoto. Harry did warn me this was going to happen, but I completely failed to clean the house, to my horror. Luckily, he was mostly interested in the studio. He gave me something to think about as I contemplate getting a new camera. My current camera is beginning to glitch. It has been used hard and put up wet and has served me well in spite of abuse.
Taka 
Oisin loves to meet people and he mugs for the camera 
The sculptor tells a story 
Taka sees one of his own pictures on the wall 
Studying the arcana 
Another artistic eye
While Taka was visiting the studio, the dogs waited outside. Although the house was knee deep in dog hair and dust, I did get the push mowing done today. My priorities are muddled. I think I need a life coach.
Tuesday Trash Day – Harlan returned from vacation and did his usual expert job on the dumpster. It was good to see him again, and his dumpster placement is beyond compare.
I couldn’t resist buying another Hardy Hibiscus on sale at Lowe’s. Unfortunately, it is just too hot to transplant it. I am waiting until Friday, when weather will moderate.
A bit of chainsaw work had to be done to clear the path west of the shed, which was completely blocked after the latest storm. One of the bald cypress trees lost a few branches, too. I am so lucky to have a new battery powered Stihl chainsaw this year! It has earned its keep already, and there is much more to do. Chainsaw work is a task I enjoy, but I have been infested with itches as a result. Well timed – tomorrow I will see the dermatologist for an annual checkup. I expect to shock him with the state of my skin.
The cats are exhausted by the heat. This morning, the two orange boys were picturesque, lying in the shade of the barn. Later, Tom Morris looked like he had died on the wash rack, but he was just sound asleep.
Tom Morris and Marmalade 
Not dead yet – just sound asleep!
In my role as chauffeur, I drove Harry to a meeting on The Hill. It is such a lovely part of St. Louis, much more like a small town than a neighborhood, and full of memorable, affable characters.
Home for barn chores and a late evening, but the sliver of moon in the western sky was beautiful despite the heat.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.