What's New at Sleepy Cat Studio

Too Darn Hot

August 11th, 2010

We’ve been stuck in a never ending heat wave, or so it seems. Temps have been in the 90′s with high humidity. Partly to save water, and partly because it’s just so hot outside, I’ve not watered the gardens much and as a result anything in a container has shriveled. The late summer flowers- the black-eyed susans, the joe pye weed and iron weed are blooming happily, and the tomato plants are bending from the weight of the fruit. The furry bandits of the night (AKA raccoons) ravaged our sweet corn, something I have a hard time forgiving even if it is hot and dry. I tried dusting the ears with cayenne powder and crushed peppers, and even spread dog hair around (from Rudi’s last brushing) hoping the scent would keep critters away, but no such luck.

Our chickens and ducks have grown and should start laying soon- I think the heat has stressed them a bit. Unfortunately we ended up with four roosters! Mornings around here can be kind of noisy. So far the boys are getting along, but I fear that will change in time. I’ve asked around to see if anyone would want a rooster, but haven’t found any takers, not surprised! They are beautiful birds and it’s interesting to watch the flock interacting, seeing their personalities develop.

Our old house will be getting a new roof soon! We had some wind damage in April and have been losing shingles ever since. Luckily our insurance will cover it and I’m hoping to have a new roof by winter. My brother suggested we have a metal roof put on, but that’s a little beyond our reach, so we’ll stick with the green shingles we have now.

The heat has cast a cover of lethargy over us- the cats lie around barely breathing it seems. Their mad dashes from room to room have become only a thought, now expressed by a slight flick of the tail. I wander aimlessly around, easily distracted, hardly able to accomplish much. I get lured outside by the bright flowers and promise of cherry tomatoes in the garden, only to come reeling back inside on a wave of heat and the roaring buzz of cicadas. The chickens and ducks keep still and pant. I bring them fresh water and ice cubes- which the ducks love. I sacrifice a cold watermelon for the chickens. These are the long, hot, dog days of summer. I think I’ll have some watermelon too.

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized