R.A.I.N! Did we all have enough of that in June? I really considered changing the name of our property to Mountain Meadows Marshland! Of course, there were areas who had horrible flooding, ours was just inconvenient. Wellies became the fashion of the days, as we slogged around the grounds. Charlotte’s old pig barn was surrounded by water, and 2/3 of the interior was sodden, but her bed of hay remained above the mud.
The pond was filled to overflow and ran out to the river. The geese were loving it! We have about 10 or more geese who have now decided this is home. Mama and Papa and their goslings, now almost grown, have allowed the other geese to join the flock. The hay fields are still standing, waiting to be mown, because it’s still muddy underneath, but the geese love that. Some mornings you can see their little heads bobbing above the tops of the grass, as they make their way back to the pond.
The runs in the chicken coops were flooded, the mud everywhere was boot sucking.
As of this writing, the rains have hopefully stopped, and heat of July is upon us, so the mud will slowly dissipate, and we will be back to watering the gardens again. While we probably complained about all the rain (I know I did), now we can complain about the heat (as I will!)
I saw something online that spoke about having “hobbies” that we have to work to keep alive- chickens, gardens, sourdough mothers – I can relate.
I can turn the air conditioning on, but the animals, and gardens, have to deal with the heat.
This month everyone looks forward to the coming lawn parties, the fireworks, the annual Fulks Run Ruritan July Fourth Yard Sale, summer vacations, going to the pool, lake, or the beach.
I look forward to working in the garden very early, before the heat of the day. I don’t look forward to the weed pulling, it can be overwhelming. This year, I’ve invested in weed barriers, but there has to be an easier way!!!
I have started a very small cut flower garden, with some flowers that can be used in herbal remedies and teas. I harvest the “weeds” outside for my daughter to use in her salves and tinctures. She has got me interested in making tinctures, I’ll leave the salves and balms to her expert hands!
There are still a few trees on the deck that need to be planted, and maybe a little greenhouse to be built at some point. It seems never ending, but a soothing pastime, nonetheless. There is nothing like getting your hands in the dirt, planting new life and encouraging those plants along – and trying to outwit and keep the deer, rabbits, and groundhogs away!
Summertime is also full of field trips with the grandson, at least one trip to visit the other 2 grandkids, and some down time, wading through the towering stack of books I’ve been collecting. Some of those books will end up in my Little Free Library out front (hopefully AFTER I’ve read them!)
The hammock calls my name, more often than not, I never get out there! Something always distracts! I will make a concerted effort to visit that hammock more than once this summer.
This month there are more that a few activities to catch your interest! July 19th is the Annual Shenandoah Valley Quilt Guild Auction at Sunnyside Retirement. July 5th is Red, White, and Brew at Heritage Park in Broadway, also the New Market Fireworks. Town of Timberville Music Series is beginning for a relaxing evening out.
No shortage of things to do this month, and let’s not forget our country’s Independence Day on July Fourth.
We at The Chimney Rock Chronicle hope you enjoy your summer, and don’t forget to take our little paper along. Take a photo of you and the paper at a far-off vacation destination, and maybe we can publish it in an upcoming issue!
All is well at Mountain Meadows tonight and looking forward to summer festivities.
