Almanac

The constant rain has spawned an infinite number of mosquitoes, large and small. I forgot to apply insect repellent to myself and the pups this morning with regrettable consequences. Sure makes things grow though. The yard is a jungle even with Jade mowing whenever the rain lets up.

The Carolina Wrens that nested at the cow barn have found the feeders and have brought their collective sense of humor along for the show. Several scolded frantically as I changed Finn's water and cleaned his run.

Then one dive bombed a chipmunk and drove it right across the yard. That cheering you heard was me....little beggars, tramps and thieves, that tamias clan. The wrens are nearly as bold around me as the chickadees are and the latter barely fly from me. In fact if the feeders aren't full they don't fly at all, preferring to let me know in no uncertain terms that I have work to do. The wrens cuss me out every time I set foot outdoors but they don't fly far.

Alas, the local baseball season is winding down, but those among us with the patience to sit among the mosquitoes under the lights have enjoyed a good number of ball games this season. (Although I love baseball I am not included in that number. ) Peggy took in her very first game last night courtesy of Uncle Scott. I can't wait to hear the deets.

Meanwhile, although it is still high summer, migration is beginning. Alegedly only shorebirds so far, but with the spreading out of young from their families we are seeing a lot of birds....that is if I am willing to brave the ticks and skeeters. Sometimes I am....

All summer long, we in the not-as-Great-as-usual Northeast have sought a way to send rain to our dear friends in western drought and fire stricken regions. Last week a Facebook friend from South Dakota shared the video below. It is one of my favorite songs anyhow, and has been since Toto released it in 82. In fact I have it on my other computer which is out for repair. It is going back on my phone as soon as I can access all those files.....

Anyhow, this version is phenomenal all on its own, and thank you Carolyn for giving me something amazing to play on the endless juke box in the back of my head. I have played this video every day since you shared it, often more than once.....and it provides something much more tasteful than hearing jingles from kids' shows in my head day and night.

But the best part is that it contains lots and lots and lots of rain. I am sending it out in hopes that it works for all of you who are suffering the lack of water. Do turn up your sound to capture all of the rain.....