More rain we did not need was followed by almost unbearable heat and humidity, and then I got oak mites. Not once, but twice this week I have been infested with Pyemotes herfsi, a plague of such intense itching that I am maddened! Harry has had a minor case, but all joy in the woods is now gone, and we will not venture under oak trees again until after the first frost. The washing machine has been overworked, washing everything in hot water, lest one of those hideous, fine ground pepper sized torments is hiding in clothing, towels or bedding.
The wet birds were ravenously hungry.
Once the rain had ended, we took a walk down to check on the ring. It was wet. I had nearly died from heat exhaustion moving the jumps off the ring, but I was glad of it. Now we need some cool weather for rebuilding the course. In the meantime, brief, mindful flatwork…
The stream has overflowed its pool, and is looking lush.
The grass has grown prodigiously, giving Nathaniel plenty of mowing after a slow growing July.
Weedy returns from an adventure to spend the day indoors with air conditioning.
Harry has been rehearsing daily, and soon the cast will move to the circus tent to finish preparations. The Rose Tattoo will be performed in the Circus Flora tent, which will be very avant garde Tennessee Williams. The excitement builds. Meanwhile, I am staying busy around here with nothing of much interest.
The dogs are always very happy when Harry returns. Tom Morris is more blasé.
I witnessed a female cardinal feeding a young cowbird. Those naughty, lazy cowbirds, laying eggs in other birds’ nests! It’s quite understandable that the cardinal would love the egg she hatched, despite its unusual and decidedly uncardinalesque appearance. Frankly, I thought it was sweet. There are many cardinals around, so I don’t think this cowbird has done much damage to the population.
Another naughty neighbor, Squirrel Nutkin, ignores the food I put out for squirrels on the east side of the house. I think he enjoys the game over on the west side. It’s like the daily game of Wordle for him – Squirdle.
Roscoe has no interest in spending time out in the heat. He is catching up on his rest in the air conditioning. Meanwhile, the ginger boys sleep on the Kawasaki Mule. Tom Morris illustrates his supremacy by sleeping on the roof. Marmalade has not yet mastered that leap.
I have resorted to going to Starbucks to blog. It’s Tuesday now. The internet is impossible at home, giving up on me yesterday evening as I was partway through. Now, I must scurry home to tend to horses, dogs and cats.
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Talk about birds! And the water!! You are certainly being waterlogged, and eaten up by hidden little critters. First time I don’t envy you!!
However, seeing the natural order of things everyday, sooo pleasing, entertaining, and eductional, for us all! I love the Nutkin to death! The Squirdel!!
Mighty good pun .
I agree about that pun! (tho at first I hoped it was some old local dialect spelling and then, oh dear.)
My cat and dog had ear-mites back when and we had a terrible long flea battle last summer so I really feel for Anne- do you hear that Anne?. Wash steady and stay calm!
Such a beautiful blog despite all that- sorry to hop on here…
Love momma cardinal and her ugly duckling. Starbucks doesn’t sound so bad, our rural internet has also been impossible lately.
Oh enjoy The Rose Tatoo!
Slava Ukraini!
Peace
Oak mites sound like something to avoid. I think I prefer pain over itch! Your birdies look very out-of-sorts what with wet and moult, but the cardinal-cowbird duo I agree is sweet. We had alot of cowbirds in Spring but lately I haven’t seen one. Starlings either…they all come and go. Grant is scratching his head and searching online for ideas ref rodents and what they do to cars…
Wishing you cool, dry…
Hi,
We have terrible mites (Trombicula autumnalis ) in France in summer. They are called “aoûtats”, as they come about in August (août, in French). The itch is enough to drive us crazy, and in fact had made change our time there.. till this year when a cousin or mine recommended applying essential oil of lavendula aspic. It worked miracles, even for Russell who is very, shall we say ..fragile ? Worked for me for sure. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I had tried neem oil last year, but the lavendula aspic was miraculous. My cousin would probably been burnt at the stake back in the Middle Ages.
Meanwhile, I love all your postings. To Harry, break a leg, but only metaphorically.
Catherine
Oh, thank you, Catherine! I shall search out some essential oil of lavendula aspic – merci beaucoup for the recommendation. I shall think of oak mites now as a type of aoûtats, since they seem to appear in août here, aussi. I will definitely be avoiding the woods in août until I find some lavendula aspic!
Harry was very grateful for your good wishes. I will be reporting on the production in ten days!
Sigh….even some birds can’t get along.
I enjoy your blogs with all the picture of animals ❤. You make my day!
Missed you Anne.