Saturday, June 3

Well, June got off to a bad start, when we were defeated at Wordle, ending our 76 day streak. Today, on Day 2 of our new streak, we were almost defeated again, squeaking in at 6/6. The stars are not aligned right now. Maybe it’s the early summer heat.

To beat the heat, after a long wait on the list, Missouri Ponds came to fix the stream. Connie has sold her business, so she no longer comes quickly to the rescue. I texted her for advice, but she ghosted me, so we have been without a stream for two months. In her stead came brothers Colin And Alex, who were delightful and competent. Harry found them by searching the internet, and we feel very lucky.

It’s astonishing how quickly the plants revived. Today, a water iris is blooming. All day, birds used the water to drink and cavort. This evening, frogs are back, singing by the stream. Nature is resilient.

Yesterday, we also began preparations for Weedy’s surgery and recovery. Our bed is very high, so we decided to remove the frame and put the box springs and mattress on the ground. This was a project requiring Nathan’s strength and expertise. I manned the vacuum, to clean up the 20 years of dog hair that had accumulated under the bed. It was too heavy for us to move readily (the bed, that is, not the hair, though there was quite a shocking amount).

Harry had decided he would sleep on the dog bed in the living room with Weedy during his recovery, so this was a compromise. We can lift him (Weedy) onto this lower bed.

Today, Nathan and Allison came for a big project of replacing a culvert on the perimeter trail. Once we got going, to our dismay, it turned out to be too big a project for us. We are going to consult Al Herter, who is an expert. The big project is on hold for the second week since I dismantled the fence. Meanwhile, horses are confined to the south pasture only, which is quickly turning into a diet pasture, to the benefit of their figures.

Nathan put in a ramp yesterday to the front door for Weedy to use. Today, he brought shingles (a trick we learned from Mary Ann) to give it better traction. It is a much better ramp than the one we built for Harry three years ago!

Since the culvert project is postponed, I was able to go over to Mechlin’s to watch Jane and Susan take a lesson in the heat. It was fun to watch. Sarah and Ali are excellent teachers, and the exercises were challenging. There was a young lady in the lesson with the older ladies, and she set a high standard. It was fun and inspirational.

Around here, the flowers are blooming regardless of the heat, though I have been turning on the sprinkler for them.

As for birds, I saw a great blue heron at the neighbors’ pond, and when I stopped to get a picture it took flight. They are magnificent birds, very like dinosaurs! The pictures did not do justice. I also saw a horribly molting crow, but it seems to be fine, if featherless. And a tufted titmouse that appeared to read over the fake frog’s shoulder in the front birdbath.

I met another Midland brown snake (I think). Our friend Carter found a milksnake at his house, and sent a picture. I am very jealous! I have not seen one around here. They are beautiful!

Harry is hard at work in the studio, despite the stress of Weedy’s upcoming surgery.

While much warmer than usual, it is still beautiful around here. We are counting our blessings.

Be safe. Be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.