Pigs like mud

My farmer husband loves his pigs, Elise and Marjorie. And the farmer's pigs love the mud when it is hot out there. Even though they are probably thirsty on the hot days too, they intentionally spill almost all of the water I give them into a big "swimming hole" that they dug in their enclosure.

Thanks to Terry and Alice for the pic, and for the big bag of pears they dropped off later!

Since those hot days over the weekend and before, we have had some of the best sunny, cool, breezy, with just a touch of rain here and there, fantastic weather for the past few days. No complaints from this lover of Upstate NY.

I mentioned the trail camera photos in the last post. I didn't mention that we caught some creatures other than the fox and bobcat.

This big buck was right on the edge of the driveway at 1:30 in the afternoon. And he brought his girlfriend and her cute little fawn by later in the day. 

I am not sure I like having a document of the comings and goings out there, but when I see pictures like this, it makes me smile...

Only the pretty pictures

We haven't caught anything interesting on the trail camera lately, until this week. Of course, the one week when we have been out and not able to close up the chickens in the big coop until after 10 pm, that's when I find the fox poking around out there at exactly that time. Thankfully the chickens are roosting up high and very quiet, and maybe the fence around the outside is actually working.

I also caught a very dark, blurry pic of what I think is the bobcat, out near the coop as well. At least that was at 2:30 am.

But for today's post I am only sharing the pretty pictures. Sunsets are always beautiful this time of year. We have the best clouds! I only wish they would give up a little more rain.

Wilco at Ommegang

With only a sprinkle of rain once or twice, it was a beautiful summer night to go see Wilco at Brewery Ommegang. The opening act, Kamikaze Palm Trees, was a funky/punky start to the show, playing with a beautiful sunset behind them.

Ommegang's Neon Rainbow beer, and Origin Café's Coconut Curry Chicken (for me) were a perfect way to carry us over until Wilco took the stage. 

Cousin Greg, The Husband and I also saw Wilco here a whole 10 years ago. That was the same time, in August of 2012, that Hub and I adopted the WoodMan, and I started working at The Freeman's Journal. 10 years...hard to believe on all 3 of those events!

Ommegang must have known we had reason to celebrate—fireworks to end the show, just for us I am sure. :)

New backyard and old friends

There is still work to do on the landscaping, and maybe we deserve a new table and chairs and barbecue, but the backyard is really coming together now that we have a proper patio. 

I expect the fire pit will get more use now that the grass isn't growing into it and around the edges. I just have to work on getting The Husband to sit still long enough to enjoy the fire and the stars...

I made a quick escape on Wednesday to New Jersey and Philadelphia to catch up with my sister and some OLD college friends. Joe and Dan were the hosts in their way cool apartment on South Street in Philly. 

We also managed to do a FaceTime with Penny Robinson, and an old-fashioned phone call to T.D. We are just not going to mention why Liz was unable to join us.

We took a wander down South Street after lunch because Barb was hoping to find some new stylish outfits. It's hard to find clothing this trendy in Nebraska.

A good time was had by all, and 2 cheesesteaks made their way back to New York for dinner. It was a quick trip, but worth every minute.

New patio, fire pit, and finger

It is a tradition here at Lester's Flat that dogs steal lunches from contractors. I was worried about keeping the dogs inside all day while the Rifanburg's guys were out back putting in a new paver patio and fire pit surround.

The fence is partially taken down, so I can't let Cyrus the Chicken Killer out there, but Woody was begging/barking to lay on the porch like he always does, so the guys said to let him out.

He behaved himself for at least 5 minutes. Then he took a wander over by the chickens enclosed in the new little coop and fence. Then when he was out of my sight, he snuck behind the truck and stole a sandwich or 2 out of the guy's backpack.

Guess you're stuck inside for sure now, Mister Woody.

We are doing a 15' x 17' paver patio at the bottom of the steps, and a 6' gravel ring around my oh so rustic hand-built stone fire pit.

And, speaking of hands, while doing something not at all difficult, picking up a fan, I ruptured 2 tendons in my middle finger. Our good friend Dr. Tom is also a good surgeon and put me back together last week. I'll spare you the picture of my FrankenFinger, but suffice it to say that once the stitches and the pin come out it will be good as new.

August heat and sunshine

We are both very pleased with our decision to add the AC unit last year, even if we didn't get to use it until this year. We were told when we built the house that we wouldn't need it. They were wrong. But then climate change is all a hoax...or is it?

Both of our little iPhones predicted 100% chance of rain at 6 pm yesterday. We got the rainbow over Goatland, but not even a drop of rain. 

Rain is predicted again at about 1 pm today, but the puffy little white clouds at 12:19 are not looking too promising.

And that last pic...MonkeyCat likes to sleep on the big cushy dog bed. A very polite Woody went over and requested  his turn on the bed. A very stubborn and silly Monkey said no, I was here first.

It's a big bed. Looks like they were able to work it out.