A little smattering of things...

I've had a cold for a few days.... I wasn't going to mention it, but I found the picture below this afternoon while reading another blog and thought it was most appropriate for how I've been feeling.

Thankfully, so far, the rest of my family has been able to keep "It" at bay.

It is so muggy tonight here in our little house, but is at last cooling down to where it may be comfortable to sleep tonight...

Our fellas worked on hay, hay, and more hay today. Jacob hauled bales in and stacked them all afternoon while the other two were cutting and baling on Fern's ground. I found the following poem last night while looking for one about summer, and thought it was most appropriate to post as we welcome in the month of July, and as we go about preparing feed for the cows for this winter! As for the shepherd and lying around, I don't know about that part. :)

The Shepherd's Calendar
by John Clare

July the month of summer's prime
Again resumes her busy time
Scythes tinkle in each grassy dell
Where solitude was wont to dwell.

And meadows they are mad with noise
Of laughing maids and shouting boys
Making up the withering hay
With merry hearts as light as play.

The very insects on the ground
So nimbly bustle all around
Among the grass or dusty soil
They seem partakers in the toil.

The very landscape reels with life
While mid the busy stir and strife
Of industry the shepherd still
Enjoys his summer dreams at will.


Mother had 3 sessions to do this afternoon, and I was working in town again this morning and early afternoon, so we just now finished our dishes and sat down to post while waiting for Dad and Andrew to get home so we can get their supper together.

We've lately had an invasion of ants in our dining room--they come in through the open patio-door. Mother learned a long time ago that cinnamon and Basic-H (separately or together) will deter ants, so we're giving it a fair trial.

Speaking of insects, I also saw the following question on a blog:

"Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?"

I wonder that about flies too, don't you? :)