Afternoons

Just popping in for a quick visit today.

Tyler is with us, so we are busy with all things "10-yr-old"!

I wanted to give you an idea of just how hot and dry it is 

here this summer.

It almost looks like Autumn... with dead leaves all over the ground.

And the turkeys are not happy at all with the heat.

We visited with all of our animal friends yesterday afternoon.

We've been doing the afternoon chores on this week "off" from chores.

Morning and evening chores have been delegated.

It just didn't feel right to not keep our fingers in the pot, 

just a little bit.

So, afternoons it is!

Afternoons are snack time.

The donkeys enjoy a bit of hay in their yard...

until, that is, Scarlet chases them away

and claims the hay for herself.

No worries, though, there's plenty to go around,

and the donkeys find another pile elsewhere.

After work at the barn is finished, we head out to gather eggs and

feed the goats.

Griz rides along, as he most always does.

It's a chance to fill his always-empty "love basket",

and he relishes every moment!

I love his little snaggle-tooth.

After everyone is fed and watered and cleaned,

we play a little ball with the dogs.

If you asked them... they would tell you...

it's their absolute favorite thing in the world.

Annie and Chester are very athletic,

and experts at catching tennis balls mid-air.

In her younger years, no one could beat Annie to a ball,

however, Chester has worked very hard at this...

and has moved into the Top-Dog slot for the ball game.

They would play for hours,

but we limit the time with this heat.

While we were creek-walking with Tyler, yesterday, I came

upon this red cardinal flower growing on the bank of the creek.

It's a lovely perennial flower that attracts both butterflies

and hummingbirds.

I think I will go back to the creek and dig it up.

It will be a lovely addition to my perennial flower beds.