This morning I mowed for just the first or second time this year. I’m not sure which. We had a very wet spring, No Mow May ran through June because spring had everything behind schedule and then drought returned so nothing was growing much and then the tractor was off for a couple of weeks getting repaired. Recent rains and briefly cooler temperatures prompted a return of better growing conditions so we tested the effectiveness of repairs. So far, so good.
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| wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata)
Photo by J. Harrington
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Wild cucumber is blooming. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds are still coming to the feeders. Acorn drop from the bur oak has increased. We’re guessing that the more rapid consumption of bird seed and sugar water is attributable to the successful production of fledglings who are now accompanying parents to the feeders.
The “breeze” is currently coming from the south at about 20 mph. Tree tops are tossing and turning. Any birds perched on nearby branches are probably suffering motion sickness. There’s a possibility of thunderstorms this evening, according to the forecast. After that, another dry spell. We’ll take that opportunity to do a little more picking up of last winter’s and this spring’s dead branches still scattered around the yard. I’m hoping to gradually increase outside time and decrease inside sedentary screen time, without overdoing it. I wouldn’t want anyone to know, but it did feel good to be out on the tractor this morning, and the place does look a little better.
Mid-August at Sourdough Mountain Lookout
By Gary Snyder
Down valley a smoke hazeThree days heat, after five days rainPitch glows on the fir-conesAcross rocks and meadowsSwarms of new flies.I cannot remember things I once readA few friends, but they are in cities.Drinking cold snow-water from a tin cupLooking down for milesThrough high still air.
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Please be kind to each other while you can.
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