Record breaking heat arrived today – 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius), besting 1953’s 100 degrees. The animals endured without complaint, and plants wilted.
Yesterday became too busy for a blog post. It was my brother Michael’s sixty-first birthday, so here is a picture of him.
We had a visit from Squirrel Nutkin. This little one is not very robust in appearance. Perhaps the bird food will help with that. I wonder if it is maybe raising babies in the woods.
The summer garden is getting some help from the sprinkler, since rain has deserted us, so to speak. The ring is horribly dusty, so the trails are getting more use than usual when we are on horseback.
Tom Morris cools off in the garden 
Summer color 
Thanks to Linda, I now know this is a Grassnut, or Triplet Lily 
“Chinese lanterns“
This morning there was the sound of a bird strike on the window. To my dismay, a Hairy Woodpecker was badly stunned. I stayed watching him for about ten minutes, to make sure no cat discovered him in an impaired state. Slowly, he seemed to regain his bearings, and he flew away
Stunned 
Recovering
Other bird visitors today fared better.
Water is appreciated on a hot day 
A dove and a cardinal confer “Hot enough for you?” 
Water cooler talk
Harry came to check on the horses in the barn.
Happy to be in the shade of the barn 
Back in the studio, progress is evident.
Nettie, lacking toys to trade for treats because I put them up away from her, offered to trade a dog bed. Successfully, I might add.
The big excitement of the day was a visit from Barker Solutions (Levi and Holly Barker) to clean the windows. Last year was skipped, so this made a big difference. The bird strike happened before the windows were cleaned, so I hope the clarity won’t cause more avian mistakes.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Great picture of Michael, he’s looking good. Enjoy all the pictures of flowers and animals, you have a lot to keep you busy!
Who is the subject of Harry’s latest sculpture? Looks interesting, may have to take another “road trip” to see all the new ones!
The subject of the latest sculpture is not for public disclosure at present! But you should take a “road trip” anyway – we would love to see you!
So much great and varied stuff in this one! All from the flower name to the special birds to the different critter contexts….and Nice to see your brother looking so well!
(I tend to think that maybe the drenching downpour the metro area just now received is a reward for something? I hope you got yours there!)