A Friend Like Mary Nanc

 Mom came out and spent two weeks with Mike and me just as hay season began.  Her visit was supposed to be after first cut hay season, but alas, Mother Nature delayed this year's work.  Thank goodness Mom is well-versed in farming!!  She got to see what hay farming looks like and we filled the times in between with chores, walks with the dogs, and relaxing over delicious gin and tonics and dinner.  

First time on a ATV, Mom did great and seemed to have fun!  This farm tool is one Mike and I realize we will have to replace if it fails us.  

The crop was a perfect harvest with nothing more than a scattered rain drop on the entire first cut crop.  Some has been hauled off and much more is stored under cover waiting for buyers.  The second crop is growing well.  

We had some beautiful sunsets to oogle over during Mom's visit.  This valley does get many beautiful sunsets!  

Mom has a friend, Mary Nanc.  She is a very good friend.  They go to the same church, enjoy lunches together, and share a lovely friend named Rae.  During Mom's stay, they texted back and forth, keeping up with each other's lives.  I thought a lot about how nice it is for Mom to have a friend like Mary Nanc.  I thought of the people I have in my life and wished I had a friend like Mary Nanc. 

Mom went home on Tuesday.  The counters haven't been wiped sparkling clean, the compost needs taken out, the lovely little vases of flowers have turned sad and have been washed and put away, the hanging flowers are thirsty, and the greenhouse is opened later in the morning and later at night.  The gin disappears a bit slower and the "wonder" of so many things vanished when she left.  

I have come to realize I do have a friend like Mary Nanc.  Thanks Mom!  Thanks for being such a great Mom and even better Friend!   And thanks for giving me two weeks of your life - even though it fell right in First Cut Hay Season.  

Immersed in Summer

Mike has been counting how many actual summer days we have had thus far.  He is up to five.  Today looks to be number 6!

He has also been busy working on the greenhouse project.  There is now a sunshade on top, a lovely custom door on each end (trimmed out in cedar), raised beds inside with lil plants coming up out of the soil - all moved in a wheel barrel.  It's been a ton of work, but deeply satisfying to see the repuposed greenhouse come to life and become functional!  Here is a winter to now picture presentation.  

Tomatoes, beets, cukes, basil, cilantro, parsley, zucchini, and delecatta squash are planted as well as the corn thinnings/transplants which are doing remarkably well.   I did not believe one could transplant corn!!  We pause while working and sit in the greenhouse in a couple of chairs added to the space.  Something good for the soul inside that space!!  

Haying is at least 10 days late.  Mike  hopes to begin cutting tonight or tomorrow.  The alfalfa is budding, but no blossoms yet.  Crazy-late!  It's good he has had this greenhouse for a distraction! 

Our free-range chickens have decided to nest in stacks of hay.  Mike has found at least 3 nesting sites with hens and eggs.  No wonder we aren't getting many eggs.  Soon there will be baby chickens parading around with their mothers - unless the cats get them!!  The joy of roosters crowing and chickens grousing around the place!!  I just love it!!  

The outside garden is growing well now that it has warmed.  This picture closes this blog report with beauty.  I do believe this is a publishable photo, if I might say so myself!!  Enjoy the fleeting warm breezes of summer time!!