Wishing for Rain

Will rain fall on us overnight? If past weeks are any indication of our chances for rain, we probably won't get a drop. We've probably had less than an inch in August and even less in July. This is reminiscent of late Summer and Fall 2010 when we had an unusually dry spell. The only saving grace is that Spring 2011 was wet with considerable moisture.

This afternoon we began watching another movie on our DVR: Fiddler on the Roof. The movie is from 1971 (that's 40 years ago!) but I don't believe I saw it then. Back in the '80s I saw a stage version performed by Greenwood High Thespians. I'm certainly familiar with the music. Some great tunes. Every so often our satellite service offers a few days of free premium channels and I record many of the movies that are of interest to us.  We are enjoying watching Fiddler for the first time ever.

A Festive Day

I've mentioned several times over the past weeks that our pastor was on a 3-month sabbatical. Today he and his wife were back in church. The sabbatical was funded by Lilly Endowment based in Indianapolis. The Endowment awards grants to clergy of all denominations. The process at Concordia of submitting a grant request started about 18 month or more ago. Members of the congregation and Pastor John and Beverly Ann were excited to meet and greet one another after all the time away.

As part of the "Welcome Back" festivities, Rev. Dan May, Indiana District President, was the preacher. He began his sermon with the thought that we hang onto things for dear life--that's because we have something we cherish. Jesus was on a mission--he was heading to Jerusalem to make his sacrifice for our salvation. In the Gospel reading for today we hear "whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Following the service, the women of the congregation catered a delicious dinner. The menu included ham, lasagna, tossed salad, pea salad, green bean casserole, cheesy potatoes and lots of yummy desserts. One of the women made small loaves of Italian bread that were on each table along with olive oil dipping sauce. Even though I worked in the kitchen before and after the meal I was able to enjoy the meal and the program as part of the audience.

Decorating with an Italian theme.

The kitchen was very busy with lots of
people coming and going all morning.

The tables are set--note the loaves of Italian bread.

In the hallway to the Fellowship Hall,
Glory Van Arsdel and Edie Masters
take advantage of this Italian bistro table.

As part of the sabbatical, Pastor John and his wife Beverly Ann flew to Italy to view Renaissance art in Rome and Florence. They took hundreds of photos during the trip and today we were treated to a travelogue and review of their trip. Pastor's presentation was interesting as he is versed in art having been an art teacher before entering the seminary. Renaissance art is one of his passions.

During the second part of the sabbatical Pastor John rented an art studio to spend time creating art. Today he invited everyone to the gallery where he had his art on display. With many people helping in clean-up it only took a short while until the Fellowship Hall was back to normal, the kitchen was clean and all the dishes were washed and put away. Ray and I then drove to the art gallery and enjoyed seeing the pieces of art Pastor had produced during the summer. I'm already regretting that I didn't take any photos. Will I never learn?

Sign of Fall

As the day started, I didn't think I'd have anything special to write about today. We did our usual routine in the morning -- a trip to the Plainfield Rec Center. Some changes in our routine there -- the yoga instructor that we've had for about the last year and a half unexpectedly quit. They couldn't find a replacement so we had a Pilates class instead. Since the Pilates class was canceled yesterday it almost seemed like Thursday.

On our way home we purchased sweet corn from a roadside stand and stopped at the orchard for peaches. They had South Carolina peaches that are delicious. I'm planning on making a peach crisp for the dinner we're having to welcome back our pastor after his sabbatical.

Ray went to the back garden hoping to find some melons. He came back with an acorn squash and told me that the pumpkins were ready for harvest. They are small but he picked quite a few. We walked back with the garden cart.

Not all pumpkins are created equal -- some are not round.

Looking forward to making pumpkin bread and pumpkin soup.

One green pumpkin probably released from
the vine due to our prolonged dry spell.

The movie ticket I won yesterday was burning a hole in my pocket. After an early supper we headed off to the theater for a 5 p.m. show only to learn that the next showing was 6:50. Instead of a movie we had an ice cream cone and returned home in time for the Colt-Packer game. It's half time now and I'm not sure who will ultimately win. I am on record predicting the Packers would win, but I won't feel bad if I'm proved wrong.

Good News!

I had a 5-minute follow up visit at the oral surgeon this afternoon. The pathology report said the patch on my tongue was a callous -- not a pre-cancerous condition. Actually, I hadn't spent much time thinking about the diagnosis but it was good to hear the news.

A few minutes ago I won a free movie ticket on-line. Moviefone.com has been giving away tickets this summer and I've entered whenever I think of it. The contest is over at the end of the month. Usually I see "Sorry you didn't win, try again tomorrow." Today I saw the words "You are a winner!" Maybe Ray will take me to a movie since he only has to pay for one ticket.

Last evening as I was posting, I heard some distant thunder and Ray said the sky was filled with lightning bolts. How much rain did we get you ask? Not even one drop! The next best chance for rain is about 20% on Monday.

Bad news this morning. When we were leaving we heard gurgling water in the garage. Our water softener was making serious noises and spewing water. I guess it was fortunate that we witnessed the problem and were able to turn off the water supply. However, I think it means it's time for a new softener. Time to visit the home improvement centers!

A bunny problem is getting worse. For quite a few years I've had several pots of geraniums on the patio. This year, for the first time ever, something has been chewing on the geraniums. They nip off all the leaves but don't eat them. Since I haven't actually seen the culprit, I can only assume it's a rabbit. The other day I talked about eating crow. Maybe I also need a recipe for rabbit stew! I've sprayed the plants with deer and rabbit repellent.

Storm approaching

We're expecting some storms later this evening and I believe I just heard thunder in the distance. The rain will be welcome, but hopefully there will be no winds, hail or even the threat of a tornado.

After many weeks of no action, I finally completed a banner that I started last April. The banner has been on my work table since then waiting for me to get the ambition to finish it. I enlarged the pattern using an overhead projector. Also, I had a vision of using fabric paint, but having never worked with this type of paint, I was hesitant since I only had one chance to get it right. It took some research to find the right font for the lettering. Finally, it is finished and I can cross it off my "to do list."

I took the photo in rather dim light so the white background looks shaded -- it really isn't -- so use your imagination.

Earthquake!

By now, I assume everyone has heard about today's earthquake in Virginia. I guess some people in Indiana felt the tremor, but neither Ray nor I did.

The best news of the day is that we had about 90 minutes of light rain. It didn't amount to much more than a quarter of an inch. There wasn't any runoff since the rain fell so lightly and it all has to be good. We're now hoping we'll get a little more tomorrow.

We snacked on our last Asian Pear this afternoon. It was picked before it was actually ripe so we let it mellow on the counter for the last 10 days or so. We were expecting a bumper crop of pears since the tree was loaded. We should have had fruit about now. But we have none! The tree is bare and we are 99.9% sure that crows demolished the crop. Maybe it's time for crow pie! Anybody have a recipe?

Yikes!

When the water company phones, it's probably not good news. They called this morning to give us fair warning that we'll have a water bill higher than usual -- over $100! The nice lady on the phone wondered if we had been watering. Of course, that was the answer. Last summer we didn't water the garden when we had a prolonged dry spell, but this summer has been different. I guess in an hour of watering you can use about 1,000 gallons of water. With the cost of water, we could have used that money and purchased lots of produce from a Farmer's Market. Enough said!

This afternoon/evening we watched Freedom Riders, a documentary on PBS. It was broadcast weeks ago but we had not viewed it until today. The story of the Freedom Riders took place 50 years ago (1961). In retrospect, I do vaguely remember the events from either listening to TV accounts or reading the newspaper, but I didn't understand all that was happening in Alabama and Mississippi. The program reveals the conditions that were prevalent in the South before segregation was disbanded. If you lived through this era or you are younger and unfamiliar with these times, then you might want to consider locating the program (may be available on DVD). It's a story of the civil rights movement that everyone should be familiar with.

Weekend

Where do I begin? I was gone almost all day yesterday and didn't get a chance to post anything. It all began when I left the house before 7 a.m. to head to the east side of Indianapolis for an LWML meeting called "Treatshop." It's a day planned and presented by the District Committees where we can learn new ideas and possibly new ways of doing things.

The Treatshop was held at Lutherwood, a residential treatment center for children from 6 to 21 who for various reasons are not living in a home setting. They offer a valuable service to the children of Indianapolis and surrounding counties. Over the years the ministry of the organization has evolved, especially when you consider that, when founded in 1883, they served as an orphanage and raised children to adulthood. Now children are in their care in most cases for less than a year.

Driving home, I was caught up in the new road construction on I-70 making the trip about 15 minutes longer than usual. I changed my shoes and Ray and I headed out the door to Greenwood for the WAMM Fest -- Wine, Art, Music and Microbrew. This was the third year for the Fest and our first visit. At 5 o'clock it was still hot and humid. We met the Walkers and enjoyed a brew and some food and ice cream. Also ran into several couples that we haven't seen in about five years or so--they were former members of Concordia--and exchanged hugs and greetings. I think the organizers would call the event a success. In my estimation there was a large crowd and long lines for food and drink. I have no idea if any people were buying art. There were three stages -- two for bands and the third for performing arts.

We left the Fest before its 8 p.m. conclusion so we could get some rest and were up early this morning and headed back to Greenwood for the 8 a.m. church service. Our guest pastor today was Rev. Robert Armao, faculty member of Lutheran High School of Indianapolis. His theme was "Upon This Rock." Jesus asked his disciples "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered "You are Christ, the son of the living God." In response, Jesus replied in part "you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church." We can joyfully say with Peter "He is the son of God."

Crab Apple Jelly

Last Friday Ray picked a bucket of crab apples that were very ripe. I hoped to make crab apple jelly but it was too late in the day to finish the process so I refrigerated the juice after cooking the apples. This noon, I measured the juice and discovered I had enough to make two batches of jelly. This evening we have 20 jars of jelly in our pantry.

Our weekend is coming to an end. We were able to wish our granddaughter Persephone Happy Half Birthday this evening on Skype. She is 3-1/2 and just began Pre-K3 at the school where her mother teaches. Here she models her brand new backpack.

To Plainfield and then Greenwood

The Plainfield Rec Center opened today after being closed Monday-Wednesday for annual maintenance. We headed over and I ran the trails in prep for the Women's Half Marathon coming up Sept. 3. It was warmer this morning than the last several days when I had run at home. I finished my run but was pretty tired at the end. Ray went to cycling class and worked out on some resistance machines and then walked on the trails too. We had planned to go to a Pilates class at 11 a.m. but the instructor had to cancel for some reason. We were able to head for home early which was alright because I had an appointment in Greenwood at 2 p.m. Also, stopped at Anderson for another box of peaches. I don't think they'll have them much longer.

The Town of Plainfield has a great trail system--some trails are on an old railroad bed and other have been developed to connect parks and other areas of the city. We always see walkers, runners, joggers, bicyclists and an occasional person skateboarding. Lots of dogs being walked too! We were surprised to see all new TVs in the Center itself. The building was dedicated in 2004 so the TVs weren't terribly old, but the new ones are flat screen. Nice addition.

After lunch I made my way to Greenwood where I visited an oral surgeon to get a biopsy of my tongue. My dentist discovered it on Tuesday and thinks it might just be a callous caused when I bit my tongue. I do that every so often. I'll know the result in a week. I also may have to have some major work on one of my front teeth -- the one I broke when I was a pre-teen, maybe 10 years old. I don't know exactly how old I was but I've had a crown for many years but the underlying root has cracked. I haven't made a decision on whether to go ahead with fixing the problem or just holding out for a while. Decisions! Decisions!

Since I wasn't too far away, I made a stop at Hobby Lobby to look for some paint I needed. While there I noticed they had Christmas trees displayed and all sorts of Christmas decor. I was amazed! Isn't it rushing the season? Then I wondered if they have this display all year long.

About once a week or so I get out my trusty bread machine and make a loaf of whole wheat bread. A long time ago, I memorized the recipe since I make it so often. Here's what my loaf looked like after it came out of the oven.

Time for bed and a bit of reading. I'm not sure of my plans for tomorrow but I think it will be pretty busy again.

Half Marathon

Last spring I registered for the 4th Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon. They also have a full marathon and a 5K. When this race first appeared on the scene I thought why not -- they seemed to have a good plan so this will be my 4th year doing this race but the race isn't scheduled until Nov. 5.

Then later in the spring another promoter announced a Women's only Half Marathon for the Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend. I mentioned to several people that I wanted to do this -- especially since it's the inaugural one. Today I mailed my entry. I've been in training all summer -- especially since we had entered the WMA Championships in Sacramento. That training was for shorter distances, so since we've been back, I've been putting in more mileage. I'll be reporting back after Sept. 3. Wish me luck.

Our tomato plants are producing more than we can eat so today we made our first batch of tomato sauce of the season. By we, I mean that Ray picks the tomatoes and then cleans them and quarters them. Then I take over and add the seasonings and simmer until ready for the canning jars. We didn't have enough tomatoes today to make a full batch but I did fill four quart jars. I freeze the sauce and mostly use it as a base for soup.

It's been a busy day. Did some weeding this morning in a shady spot and now I've completed the circuit around the house! Had an appointment for a hair cut and after supper spent about 90 minutes weeding another spot.

My ears are burning!

Sometimes my ears do ring, but yesterday they were burning! I can't explain why I went outside after lunch to do some work on a flower bed and didn't use sunscreen. After working for a while, I began to realize that my arms were exposed and I probably was getting too much sun. I was too lazy to go back to the house for sunscreen. What I didn't even think of was my ears getting sunburned! I had my hair pulled back exposing my ears that hardly ever get prolonged afternoon sun. I have a straw hat that I often wear but for some reason didn't. Lesson learned, I hope.

After lunch today I had my 6-month dental appointment and had one small cavity filled. Then this evening after supper I spent about 90 minutes working outside doing some more weeding. No sun to be concerned with after 7 o'clock. It was very pleasant outside and I worked until I could barely see the weeds. The rain last Sunday has made the process easier and tomorrow evening we may get some more rain. I'm looking forward to the day when this first phase of weeding is complete. By that time, I'll have to go back to the beginning because I'm sure there will be areas that need attention.

Tragedy at the State Fair

Almost immediately after posting last evening, I shut down my computer because of the wind and rainstorm in the vicinity. We had some small hail but it was insignificant and not enough to cause any damage. About that same time a tragedy was taking place at the Indiana State Fair. The State Fairgrounds are a good distance east of us and the storm was moving from west to east. A freak wind blew down the rigging for a grandstand concert by Sugarland that was to begin shortly. The opening act had finished and fans were waiting for the main act to begin when the tragedy unfolded. In the end five people died and many others went to the hospital. The scene was caught on video camera and it is difficult to watch.

However, we went to bed not realizing what was happening on the east side of Indianapolis. Around 4:00 a.m. we were awakened by a beeping sound. The Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) for my computer was beeping meaning that we were without electrical power! I switched off the UPS and went back to bed. The night was clear and we did have moonlight coming through the windows. We woke up shortly after six o'clock learning that the power still was not on. Before long, I found myself dressing in the semi-dark with the help of a flashlight. We had a cold breakfast of a fresh peach and a slice of non-toasted bread. Ray had to lift the garage door manually so we could back the car out of the garage and off we went.

Rev. Paul Zabel, son of Concordia members, is President of the Eastern District of Lutheran Church Canada and was our guest preacher today. Rev. Zabel preached on the theme "Faith and Love" based on the story of the woman who begged Jesus to heal her daughter. Pastor Zabel used the illustration of a $20 bill and asked if anyone wanted it. After wadding it up and later stamping on it, he wondered if we still wanted the $20. Of course, we did. The same thing happens to us--many times we feel unloved and worthless--but we are still wanted and loved by our Savior.

When we arrived home, our power was restored and I put away the groceries. The Plainfield Recreation Center is closed Monday through Wednesday this week for annual maintenance and cleaning so we decided to go to the 12:30 yoga class since we wouldn't have another opportunity until next Friday. Our instructor had an unusually long class today so we can say we had a good workout. After that we drove to Avon so I could get some things I needed from JoAnn Fabrics. On our way home we turned on the windshield wipers--it's been weeks since we had seen rain of any sort. When we got home, it didn't look like we had had much rain, but shortly after, another shower passed through. Ray measured one inch of water in a 5-gallon bucket sitting outside our garage. We can still use more rain, because even after the rain, he found it difficult to pull weeds in the garden.

Pruning and trimming

What a difference a week can make! A week ago we were still in the midst of days with 90 degrees and above. With the cooler weather we have spent more time outdoors working on various projects. I've been working my way around the house and I'm close to 3/4 of the way. Last evening I decided not to work outside after supper since there was a strong prospect of rain for today. In fact, the radar indicates that a strong storm front is getting quite close. I need to complete this post and shut down my computer. There is a chance we'll have strong winds and some hail.

After surveying our landscape plants and doing some pruning by the front door, we decided it was time to cut back some other shrubs. I may do most of the weeding and other maintenance, but this time we had to bring in the "big boy." Ray warmed up his chain saw and has cut back two lilac bushes, two burning bushes, two weigelas, three kerria bushes, a hemlock tree and chopped down a gooseberry bush that never produced a single berry. He's worked hard. After cutting back and then trimming, the refuse need disposal by carting to our convenient ravine.

While working this afternoon, we took a good look at a pine tree growing at the corner of our house. It's been in this location for about 15 years. It was a Christmas tree inside back in 1994 or 1995, I'm guessing. We planted it outside but then a year later moved it to its present location. Ray suggested cutting it down since it's grown so tall. I can remember pruning it every spring to encourage thicker branches. I haven't been able to prune it for the last several years because it's way too tall. Take a look. Would you cut it down if it was in your yard?

How tall? 20 ft or more?

Here comes the rain! We have really needed this. I hope the storm doesn't cause any damage.

A change in the weather

Yesterday was the end of our streak of 90 degrees and above. The high yesterday was 89 so it was close. The entire month of July was above normal, but today we were below normal. What a delightful change, especially the low humidity at about 40%.

Again this evening I worked outdoors after supper trying to get our landscape plants looking good. The ground is really hard because of the lack of rain and it's difficult to pull weeds. I could take pictures of cracked soil, but instead I took a picture of a plant I've only had for about three years. I thought "How perky you look despite the dry conditions." I had to do some research since I couldn't recall the name of the plant. Liriope is technically a type of lily but often used as an ornamental grass. It's common name is Lilyturf. The mounds get bigger each year and soon I'll have to do some dividing.

Is it an ornamental grass or a lily?

I'm about halfway around the house but after that there are other beds to tend to so I'm hoping we'll have some rain soon.

Mostly about Sunday

Yep, I didn't get to write anything yesterday. So here is my condensed Sunday on Monday. Our guest pastor yesterday, Rev. Keller, has quite a unique background. Before becoming a pastor he served in the U.S. Navy in Intelligence, worked for the University of Washington in cardiovascular research and spent two years as a programmer-analyst at Boeing. He graduated from the Seminary in 1983 and is now retired. His daughter and family are members of Concordia and Rev. Keller and his wife live near their four grandchildren.

A week ago we heard a sermon based on the "Feeding of the 5,000" and yesterday the sermon was based on an event that took place following that event -- when Peter walked on water. In times of stress or trial we think "Come on God -- do something." We often lose faith when things go wrong. We can be assured that God will be there; he knows what is best for us and through faith we know he'll never desert us. We need to hang on to our faith and keep it strong.

I had groceries to put away when we got home. Then I went on a mini baking binge and made Dream Coffee Cake and four loaves of pumpkin bread using pumpkin puree that I had in the freezer. We had lunch and an early supper so I could attend an LWML planning meeting at church, taking along the coffee cake. Returned home shortly after 9 o'clock.

Yes, we had another 90 degree day yesterday and today also. I may have said the streak was coming to an end before, but I do believe we won't get as warm as 90 tomorrow. Today was the 23rd consecutive day of at least 90 or higher.

A furnace man worked on our Water Furnaces most of this afternoon. He was doing semi-annual maintenance but apparently we had lost some coolant and weren't getting much cooling the last two days on one of the furnaces.

Spent about an hour weeding this afternoon and then some more after supper this evening. It was almost pleasant to work outside about 8 p.m. but the ground is very hard. Somebody send some rain our way! Please!

Heat Wave Continues

CORRECTION! Last evening I posted that we did not break the 75 year old record (1936) of 19 consecutive days of temperatures reaching 90 or higher. I was wrong! According to the newspaper this morning, Indianapolis reached 90 degrees at 5:08 p.m. yesterday evening. I must not have been tuned in to the evening news. We've already heard that we reached 90 today so the heat wave is continuing at 21 days.

I wasn't sure what my plan for the day was this morning. My first thought was I'd clean the front porch and then do some weeding in the front flower beds that sorely needed some TLC. When I started working it was fairly mild and the area was shaded for most of the morning. In addition the skies were overcast so the sun wasn't a huge factor. Turned out that I spent practically all morning and afternoon working outdoors except for a lunch break.

Sure got a lot done, but there's much more that needs attention. Ray wasn't sure what he was going to do either and I suggested that he might tackle some pruning jobs. That turned out to be an all-day job too and there is more pruning for another day. We have this lovely viburnum bush that has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years. It was as tall as the guttering so that was trimmed back. We also realized that the area was too crowded and Ray took down a tree. The space to the right of our front door looks rather nude right now but by next year there will be new growth and it should look more natural. For one thing, the viburnum and tree cast shadows and it was difficult for annuals planted in the border to do well. Already, I see that the space will get more sunshine.

Transporting branches

We have a ravine (or gully) near our property line and we use it to dump tree limbs, weeds and the like. 

Using the chain saw to cut down the tree.

The area looks "naked" after today's onslaught with the saw and pruning blades.

The tree branches still need discarding.

We're still hoping to get some rain overnight. Was it just yesterday that on the evening news the weather report was telecast from the State Fair under an umbrella because of a rain shower! We didn't get a drop. Of course, we are miles from the fair grounds and the showers have been very spotty of late. 

That's all for today. I think we'll both sleep well tonight.

No Record Set

We almost set a record! The high for today was 89. Just one degree more and we would have broken a 75 year old record of 90 degrees or higher for 20 consecutive days. At least the record was officially tied yesterday.

Sure hope we don't tie a record for lack of rain. As I type, Ray is in the garden watering some green pepper plants that are in dire need of water. We hope to salvage them. They were hidden in the forest of weeds that grew while we were away last month. Some of the weeds were several feet taller than me. After much searching I think I've finally identified this pest -- Pigweed -- sometimes called Redroot Pigweed. I've seen them in the garden before but always hacked them out before they grew to maturity.

 

 

Redroot Pigweed

Another plant that can grow extremely tall if not controlled is Lamb's Quarters. I've recognized this weed for years. Here's what the plant looks like:

Inconspicuous flowers of Lamb's Quarters

I've read that Lambs Quarters is edible, but I've never tried it. Here's a closeup of the plant's leaves. Maybe you've seen it in your yard or garden.

My wish is that all gardens be free of Pigweed, Lamb's Quarters and all other weeds. Don't you? But practical experience tells me that the only way to get rid of them is to get out the garden hoe and do some tilling.

Fruit Carving

Listening to the morning show today, we heard that some areas in the state were experiencing rain. We hoped some would come our way, but that didn't happen. The next best chance is still a couple of days away. We're one day shy of matching the record of 19 straight days of 90+ temperatures, but the prediction for tomorrow is 88 -- so we won't tie the record. I was kind of hoping for another day or two of heat so that we could say we experienced a record-breaking summer heat wave. I'm ready for some cooler weather and rain.

We enjoyed a free lunch today at the Plainfield Rec Center sponsored by a local senior living community. After lunch, the chef demonstrated his skill at carving a watermelon and entertained us with his witty comments.

Can you guess what he's making?

We were seated quite close and when the Chef held up his finished product, Ray mentioned that I would like to take a photo and he willingly obliged.

Have you guessed!

It's a swan!

He next demonstrated cutting a pineapple pretty much like I've done myself many times. It was interesting to learn how to make a houseplant from the crown of the pineapple. Peel away several rows of the bottom leaves to expose what will eventually become roots. Plant in good soil and you have an interesting conversation piece. The plant won't produce fruit, but will grow quite tall and should last for quite a while. I may have to try this. Has anyone else?

Fresh Peaches - Yum!

Over the weekend I heard that a local orchard has home-grown peaches and they are delicious. It seems that peaches purchased in the supermarket or grocery store can never equal peaches that I remember from my childhood. We had two peach trees when I was growing up that produced sweet peaches.

On our way home we stopped at Anderson Orchard and, sure enough, they had a huge quantity of peaches -- both white and yellow and  freestone and cling. We purchased some of each white and yellow freestone and have already had two!

Anderson is known mostly as an apple orchard. I couldn't begin to guess how many apples trees they grow and how many apples they sell in a season. In the fall they have huge crowds on the weekend, but today there were only a few customers when we drove up. We also purchased some sweet corn for supper this evening and some green apples. They look like Granny Smith but are named Ginger Gold.

Some good eating for the next few days!

Repairs Made!

At the end of the day yesterday, Ray was discouraged because of the breakdown of our grass catcher. He was almost certain that he wouldn't be able to repair it and might have to purchase a new one. If you've never seen our grass catcher, I have a photo -- are you surprised?

The tractor and catcher are about 17 years old.

Let me try to explain what was broken and how it was fixed. Below the large intake tube at the base of the catcher there is a locking device that, when released, allows the catcher to tilt back much like a dump truck. The driver can then pull away and the grass clippings gently slide out. The frame that holds the locking device is bolted to the bottom of the catcher. Yesterday the frame pulled away from the bottom of the catcher leaving a rather nasty hole. The catcher was inoperable because it couldn't be locked in place.

To fix the problem, Ray found a piece of lumber that would cover the hole and drilled holes to match what was on the frame. The board was installed on the inside of the catcher. Bolts were put in place, and lock washers and nuts installed outside on the frame. This proved to be rather tricky and I was called to help -- I had to hold the bolts in place as Ray tried to install the washer and nut. After several failed attempts and dropping a washer or two, the repair was completed. The grass catcher lives on for another day.

Here's a photo showing another way to unload

Spreading grass clippings by hand to add mulch to the base of the tree.

The job of mowing isn't hard, but spreading the clippings instead of just dumping them is very exhausting especially when the temperature is in the 90s and the humidity is high. As evidence of how tired he was, Ray announced that he was heading to bed at 8 p.m. since he couldn't keep his eyes open any longer.

Since today is the first of a new month, I need to comment on the scorching weather that we experienced in July. We missed the beginning of the heat wave as we were still in California. The average temperature for July was 82 -- making it the hottest month since 1936. Indianapolis only had .47 of an inch of rain in July. We had 20 days of 90 or higher and may tie a record of consecutive days of 90+ temperatures. Today was day 16 with the record of 19 consecutive days set in 1936.

The electric company sent out a "Beat the Peak" alert this afternoon -- in other words, asking us to conserve energy this evening from 5-7 and have already alerted another conservation period of 4-7 p.m. tomorrow. Maybe some cooling and possibly rain by Friday.