Goodbye July

It's hard to believe that July is coming to a close,

and yet, at the same time, it feels like it's been August forever.

It's been the most different summer of my entire life,

and yet, at the same time, it's been a good one.

Life is so un-hurried these days.

Each day brings the opportunity to really enjoy all that is around me.

And as you well know... there's an awful lot around me

that's worth enjoying!

The weather has been hot and humid, but most of our nights 

have been pleasantly cool.

So cool... that nights in the pasture are energizing for the horses.

They sleep the hot days away,

and enjoy kicking up their heels in the cool of the night,
and sauntering back to the barn for a nap, come sunrise.

We have had drought conditions for much of this summer,

and I worry about the health of our wells.

We have two wells... one for the house and one for the barn.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that last winter's rains

were enough to keep the wells filled for this hot, dry summer.
My fingers are crossed that August brings some rain.

Yesterday began early... before sun-up.
Morning chores were finished by 6:30,
so I headed over to the "field of dreams" to pick blackberries.
In no time I had picked a quart of wild, juicy berries for the freezer.

While the air was still chilly, we took a long bike ride - 26 miles

through the beautiful countryside that we call home.

We are lucky to live in an area that is so un-populated.

We ride our bikes and rarely encounter any vehicles.

This kind of riding gives me such a feeling of freedom...

almost as if I were a child again.

And the vistas we encounter are nothing short of spectacular.

It's been too hot for spending any afternoon time in Maven Haven.

I am looking forward to autumn and fires in the wood stove.

Mornings are the best time in this space right now.

Over the past few days I have done a little video here

to share with you....
(Click the box in the lower right hand corner of the video
for a full-screen view.)

[link to video on YouTube, if needed]

I am continuing to sew face masks...

and will soon re-stock my Etsy shop.

It is easiest to make these in an assembly line style,

instead of finishing one before starting another.

I've had to fire my quality control department (me)

for allowing a face mask to leave the farm before being 

completely finished... ie: it was missing an elastic loop.

If you happen to receive one such as this... please let me know and I will

fix it post haste!

I am hoping no more than one escaped 

my inspector's [not]watchful [enough] eye.

It's hard to find [good] help!