Twenty Days of Rain in June

We've had a whole lot of rain this summer.  One thunderstorm comes through just as loud as it can be.  And as soon it waters everything it makes a quick exit, we find Mister Sunshine riding in its wake!

Of course when you combine the two - rain and summer sun - you can't help but get heat and humidity!

There is a little gas station in operation just a few miles east of us.  The guy that runs it is called Oz by the locals.  No swipe and pump at this gas station!  The pumps were alive and well clear back in the 70's!  Its a full service station.  You tell Oz how many gallons you want and he pumps it for you and washes your windows too.  Impressive - if you aren't in a hurry!  Because there isn't anything in a hurry about Oz either!  You will also get to chat a little about the weather, hear a few good wives' tales or take a walk down memory lane.  Back in June, the Apple Farmer stopped to fill up some jugs for the tractors and enjoyed such a visit.  During the exchange, they both talked about the weather being so wet when Oz said, "You know what they all say about twenty days of rain in June."  The Apple Farmer was very curious as he replied, "No, actually I don't.  What does it mean?"  Oz paused, and then continued all slow and drawn out, "Well, I don't know.  I guess you get wet." 

The mystery of this wives' tale was solved a few weeks ago.  Dan, one of our Amish neighbors mentioned the same tale and I pounced right on it!  Dan explained that if it rains on June 1st, you will have 20 days of rain in June.  He's kept track and only once has he ever known the tale to be incorrect.  It certainly wasn't this year!!!  We experienced 90 degrees after the sun went down with 85% humidity.  The heat index was 111.  Suffocating!!

Your Votes, Please!

1.  Who is happier?

Her Royal Highness who's piggy tails are falling out?

Or Human Resources, who just received Papa's guitar in the mail?

2.  Which would you rather be?

This beautiful butterfly (who was a caterpillar not too long ago) that just crawled out of her cocoon?

Or this photogenic little Praying Mantis that the Attorney found?

3.  Who is more tired?

All of these hard working guys?

Or, her Royal Highness who gave up naps over a year and a half ago?

4.  Which is most disgusting?

These bagworms that the Apple Farmer found in the Orchard?

Or this four inch spider that the Apple Farmer and his good friend Albert found in the cistern near the frog pond?

5.  Which do you feel most sorry for?

Petunia, who is going to get a bubble bath?

Or, Taffy, who hates thunderstorms?

Brambles, Brambles Everywhere!

Its Blackberry season now!

They are BIG and beautiful!!  The rain has been very good to them this year.  In fact, the primacanes - next year's producing canes - were soooo long that I had to go in with pruners to be able to reach my fruit!

We picked a full gallon of these luscious fruits and when we got home we washed them, spread them on baking sheets and they are freezing in the freezer.  They will be perfect in my Lemon Berry Cake recipe!!

And they all lived happily ever after!

Not really, because while I was picking and her Royal Highness was taking a little break, she pulled the key to the golf cart out and dropped it in the grass.

So we looked...

And looked....

And found a caterpillar....

And looked some more....

Until we finally decided we needed some divine intervention.  So we prayed for help.  And while we looked some more, Her Royal Highness asked me if Heavenly Father had a car.  I told her he didn't and she immediately asked, "Then how does he get to 'pwaces?'  Does he walk or 'somefing'? 

And then we found the key! 

Her Royal Highness said a prayer to thank Heavenly Father for help us find our key.  I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father allows us to teach our children about little miracles!

...And they lived happily ever after!!

Artichoke Harvest!

I get something yummy with my lunch today!

I don't have to share 'em either - No one else in this crooked little house LOVES them like I do!!

They are still small, but who's complaining!!  I can't believe I grew them in MO!!

She Loves Bars!

Swing!

Lift 'em up!

Dismount with a back flip!!

Dolly Meets Skipper

Amish Auction

My neighbor Joe came over last night and wondered if there was a chance we could pull the trailer down to a big annual auction down in Jamesport.  I had no problem with it, except a little bit of worry that I wasn't going to be the only truck and trailer trying to maneuver around in a massive auction.  But since I could really use the practice, I told him I would help him out!  And practice I got.  I backed, and squeezed and maneuvered my way around people and trucks and trailers and through narrow passages!  I'm certain my dreams will all be of me driving that big trailer down the highway in reverse!

I've been to a couple of auctions that are geared more for the Amish and they've been fun to see, but I've not been to this one, which lasts for a couple of days!  This auction is huge!  What fun it was to go and see all of what was there!

I especially got a kick out of all the young men, Danny and three of Joe's boys - some married, some single - teasing about the garden tools they had to buy because they were now supporting a household, or the marrieds, teasing the singles about their auction finds, hinting about future weddings!  Danny got three old wooden interior doors and he maintained that they were for a bachelor pad only.  Hmmmm!