Mid-August Ramblings

Rain, blessed rain! Having experienced the driest July on record in our county, we finally got some rain last weekend. I don't know what the "official" amount was, but we received 4.3" at our house from Sunday through Tuesday. We had another brief shower today and it looks like we'll get a little more over the next day or two. With the rain came cooler temperatures which I know was a relief for all our animals.


We often see does and their fawns grazing in our yard. Many times a doe will have twins with her. On several occasions this year we've seen a doe with triplets!


Despite frequent watering, the heat took its toll on our tomato plants. We're still getting a few, but are no longer overwhelmed with the harvest. I must say, though.... it was good while it lasted: bruschetta, tomato & onion salad, salsa, tomato sandwiches, spaghetti sauce and more.


I'm currently using Shelfari on my blog as a way to share some of the recent books I've read. It's a neat site in general, but I doubt I'll use it for more than that since there are some features about the site I don't like.


Tom, our original Boer billy goat, is still limping, but finally getting around a little better thanks to some antibiotics and a little TLC. We're still not positive what happened to him. It's not easy to examine a 200+ pound goat (with massive horns), but we think he either cut himself or was bitten by a snake. It was a little touch and go for awhile.... the vultures were on the ground with him that first day!


I collected owls when I was in college (they are my sorority mascot) and still think they are beautiful creatures. This puzzle by William Vanderdasson is entitled "Silent Watch". It measures 18" x 24", but is a large-piece format which made it easy to work. I completed it in just a couple of hours.