We have had a spell of delightful, cool mornings, with windows open at night. It can be quite miserable in Missouri by this time of year, so we are very grateful for these nice days.
Unfortunately, Harry cannot ride while he is in atrial fibrillation, but he still spends some quality time with Stone.
Poor Harry missed a turtle view on Tuesday. Jane spied a magnificent box turtle, and I dismounted to get a picture with my phone. That meant I had to mount from the ground, but luckily there was a nearby ditch I could stand Oisin in to make him shorter.
More exciting than a turtle picture, I finally got a photo of a baby skink on the ramp. It’s not a bluetail, which is interesting. It’s very vigorous, and I have been trying for many days to train my camera on it in a moment of stillness. This picture is enlarged, but that is a tiny creature.
Harlan visited Tuesday in his usual good humor, which was most welcome.
Some of the other visitors have been less garrulous than Harlan, but squirrels, at least seem to be very happy and optimistic.
There have been a few disappointments. The tractor had a flat tire. Liquid was leaking all over the shed, the sidewall was cracked open. Old age. The rear tires are at least 20 years old. Of course, this is a major hassle and a huge expense, but we cannot complain. This is the Chinese Year of the Ox, but for us it has been the Year of the Tire. Yikes!
The deer, which are truly everywhere, got wise to my trick of leaving the Kawasaki Mule and wheelbarrow by the daylilies. Last night they ate every one of the red flowers. I am not optimistic for any of the remaining blooms.
And the worst news is that something killed a bluebird in the bluebird house. There were feathers in evidence at the entrance. We cleaned out the house, and installed a snake guard. We shall see what happens. I am very sad.
The dogs and cats lessen sadness, of course.
Harry has begun to memorize lines for his upcoming Tennessee Williams Festival performance in The Rose Tattoo in August.
We are well aware that we are very fortunate, and our problems are First World problems. No complaints. Soon, Harry will be returned to sinus rhythm, and the tractor will have new tires. Lilies will survive, and new bluebirds will find the house.
And, in closing, a volunteer sunflower blooms against a Ukrainian flag.
Be safe, be well, be resilient. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Sad about the bluebird. I always feel especially bad about birds, not sure why. Love the little skink and bx turtle!
If you really want the deer to stop eating your day lilies, a very cheap and effective method is to blend 2 eggs in a blender, add to a gallon of water, let sit for 3 days before use in a designated gallon blender, and spray every 2 to 3 weeks on anything you don’t want the deer to eat. Works very well. Recipe can also be found on line I think from University of Minnesota or somewhere. Rain doesn’t really wash it off. It really is the same recipe as Deer Off. Big rip off that stuff is so expensive.
Carter, fascinating! Anne, photos are fabulous, Skittle and the skink, love the arobatics of the squirrels, and Harry’s expression while memorizing lines—-always loved Tennesse William’s plays, still do. The Rose Tatoo, I might have to come to St. Louis for that!!
Lou and I are hoping for Harry to get better!
We are in Michigan and he is about to ride in parade on the 4th! Miss you guys!