What Happened to Summer?

I have to tell you...

it's been a weird summer!

The weirdest (although I am not complaining one bit) weather I have experienced

in all of my life has been ours all summer long.

Cooler than normal temps with more than average rainfall has 

made this summer spectacular.

I swear we have had only one really hot week.

It's been great for the electric bill, as we have not had to use the air conditioning.

And now, in the middle of August, when we should be at our hottest,

the days have been in the 70's and the nights in the low 50's.

(Actually, last night was even colder than that!  

I am out doing morning chores in sweatshirt(s)!)

How about your summer?
Have you had unusual weather this summer, too?

Although the extra rainfall has helped tons of weeds to grow in the garden,

pulling them is not so bad when the weather is as cool as it is.

I spent several hours in the garden yesterday afternoon and evening doing just that...
pulling weeds!

With my trusty friends...

Sam...

Oakley...

Maddie...

and Moll to keep me company,

I filled the back of the gator twice with weeds pulled from the garden aisles

and "spent" plants removed from the boxes.

It feels like Autumn is just a breath away.

The tomato plants still have more fruits to ripen; but the plants themselves

look like they do in September.

I've planted fall veggies.

Broccoli plants will grow over the next two months....

as well as carrots, beets, spinach and lettuce.

Kale, peppers, cucumbers, chard and squashes continue to produce...

giving us ample harvested goodness to fill our table.

The sunflowers have grown so large that their heads hang down to their knees.

Once dry, they will be food for the birds.

I found this fellow in the garden...

it's the first praying mantis that appears to actually be praying!

(I think he might be asking for a warm place to sleep on these cold nights.)

Our hayfield is cut and drying.  Breezy afternoons have helped the hay to dry.

Today we will be raking and tedding the hay.

Hopefully tomorrow we bale it and stow it in the barn for winter.

Keep your fingers crossed!

I am happy to show you that Ollie, after having been bathed on Tuesday,

remains clean and white.

This afternoon will be Red's turn for a bath.

There is no one happier with this summer's weather than Ginger...

and MaryAnn!

Pigs do not tolerate heat well.

This summer has been very piggly perfect!!