Why Are Those Buzzards Flying Overhead?

 Yesterday was the kind of day that could make one eager to move on to the next season - Autumn!  But then, I am not one to wish my life away.  Luckily, as the sun rose through a misty sky - the humid remnant of the previous evening's storms- the air was cool. 

 It did not stay this way, however.  The mist quickly burnt off and the sun came out blazing. 

At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I have to say - yesterday's heat was miserable.  It seemed that the only creatures who flourished beneath the sun's burning rays were the stable flies and the tiny black flies, who were determined to turn my face into their brunch.

What does it mean when one is out in the pasture cleaning up manure and ten buzzards are circling overhead?  I must admit, I was a little nervous.  

I cleaned the pasture under the annoyed gaze of five horses who missed their grazing opportunity in the cooler hours of the day.  They had an 8 AM farrier appointment that interrupted their normal morning routine.   And, we all know how these beasts are creatures of habit.  Despite carrot treats and plenty of hay left for them in the shade of the old pine tree, they whinnied their disapproval and cast an evil eye upon me every chance they got.

Though obviously annoyed with the mornings agenda, all were well behaved for the farrier and hooves were trimmed in short order.  

More carrot treats were given... but no one was placated.  I assured them that there were more mornings ahead, and that from this point onward, it would be cooler. (Yesterday being the hottest of the 10 day forecast.)

Luckily, the donkeys could not have cared less about losing their grazing time.  Happy to have a pile of hay to munch, they were particularly chatty with us while the farrier worked on their feet. 

 There was a day when a farrier appointment with Chloe was a test of wills - but those days are long gone.  She has since decided that pedicures are quite lovely.  Both donkeys seem to enjoy the farrier, and truly would most likely stand perfectly still for him even without a halter on. (But we won't chance it - as they would most definitely relish the chance to make me a liar!)

Since Sam is no longer here to steal the tasty (stinky!) hoof trimmings, Chester has once again stepped in to fill the void. 

Chester listens, however, when I ask him to get out from beneath hooves - Sam was deaf - or so he would have you believe.

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I'd like to introduce you to Hubbs' girlfriend, Ruby.

Every morning she comes running up to him when he opens the henhouse door.  Then he reaches down, and gives her a little scratch beneath her chin. 

 They stand there like that for several minutes, then he goes about his business... with her following him through the chicken yard for several yards.  We think it is the same chicken, but it is hard to tell as we have many Rhode Island Reds who look identical.  I also wonder if this is the same chicken that would come to him for a carry back to the henhouse at bedtime.   Perhaps we will put a little bracelet around her ankle so that we can identify her.

If you have never had the pleasure of raising chickens, I must tell you - they are delightful creatures.  They have their own language (no, we don't quite understand it, yet - but, we're trying!) and they spend a lot of time communicating with each other.  They are enthusiastic and zany and quite comical.  I could seriously spend hours just watching them.

I snapped another photo of Elwood - this time of his neck feathers.  Aren't they just the loveliest feathers ever?  I love how they are teal and russet.  He's truly a perfect rooster!

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We have another mystery to solve.

Something has been nibbling on the logs of our house.  It has been happening at night of late... just in this particular corner next to our front door.

It's an area where logs meet each other at right angles and overlap.  A critter could easily use the ends of these logs like a set of stairs.  So, whatever critter is doing this damage is most likely climbing to this point (at about the level of my face) to do his chewing.  We have a game camera set up hoping to catch a photo of the varmint!  Hopefully we'll have an answer soon!

I finished up my dock sketch yesterday.  It's still a work in progress, as every time I look at it I see something that I could improve.  If any of you are artists, I would appreciate any hints or pointers!!

I am happy to say... the buzzards were apparently not flying overhead for me... as I managed to make it through the day!  But then again, today is Friday the 13th and the day is not yet over!!

Here's hoping your weekend is perfect.  I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures!  We have no big plans for the weekend, but I am sure we will find plenty to do!  See you Monday!

PS:  Our hummingbird feeders are so busy right now.  I snapped this photo the other day... what it doesn't show are the other 6+ who were buzzing around in the air!