May finished with a warming trend, and June has arrived summer hot and dry. We are desperate for rain already, and actual summer is three weeks away. The crows, which do delight us daily, pant in the heat to cool themselves.
There are many other birds, of course, and the birdbaths are much appreciated, as water is less plentiful.
Yesterday, I saw two snakes – possibly a midland brown snake on the path to the barn, and a juvenile black snake at the barn. I am no expert on snakes, but they were both beautiful creatures and not at all aggressive.
We had a visit from the Marlows on Sunday, with their dog, Ollie. He was last here as a tiny puppy, and has grown to be quite a character.
Jane did a jump school early to beat the heat. I took some pictures. Derry was perfect, and Jane had fun.
On Tuesday, Fred came and replaced Stone’s shoe. No more soaking and wrapping.
Tuesday also brought news from the orthopedic specialist that Weedy needs surgery on his hind leg. He is scheduled for June 7, which will be followed by a long 12 weeks of recovery. Weedy will not have a fun summer, but Autumn is better for adventuring, anyway, and he will be able to enjoy the best weather.
Trash Day was a day late because of the long weekend. Harlan was in fine form, despite the larger than normal pickups. Rebecca came to help with the garden. We feel very fortunate to have happy helpers.
May has provided a bountiful harvest of cherries.
The long days and endless projects are exhausting, but also provide many pleasant moments..
And on we go, into June…
Be safe, be well, stay cool! Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Be well soon Weedy!
Sorry for Weedy, I have surgery the same day.
We will be praying for both of you next Wednesday, Janis! I trust your recovery will take less than 12 weeks!!
The shot of he crow taking off is fabulous. Poor Weedy! And, Cedar out there amongst the cats. And, Laura, so photogenic; a beautiful woman with her distinguished husband. I feel as though I am getting to know them, a pleasant thought. The horses all dressed up in their summer protection look as though they are prepared for the Crusades. As usual, a delight, an absolute delight. As to the heat, my God I hate it. Haven’t experieinced this kind of penetrating heat since I left STL in ’86. The poor beasties out in it with no reprieve, except the dedli at Bronze Fox Farm!.
Oh, Jane! Stay cool – this is brutal heat. I struggled yesterday, sweating so much I couldn’t drink enough water!
Best wishes to Weedy. I hope he will be a good patient and that he will do well, quickly.
I was brought up to fear snakes. We had adders in England. Not that I can remember ever seeing one. In recent times, I have seen snakes through different eyes. They really are beautiful. Not sure I will ever get over the nervousness of them that I am hard wired for, but unless it starts to rattle, I won’t run away!
Your blog always brings me smiles…so important. Thank you!
Thanks, Carolyn! High praise from someone whose blog I enjoy daily. I feel I know you, and wish you were closer. I think snakes are delightful, but there is truly an innate fear of them in many people. Once, we were on a white water rafting trip. I have an innate fear of water, by the way. Being in it, that is – I am a weak swimmer. We had stopped for lunch and as we were about to set off, a snake was discovered in one of the rafts. All our fearless guides were too afraid of snakes to remove it, so I happily picked it up (it was just a little garter snake) and took it ashore. One of my few shining moments on a white water trip. Most of the time I was just terrified.