Fortunately for us, they aren’t close, nor are we in any danger from them. But one has already burned 15,000 acres and 144 structures and shows no containment, despite heroic efforts from planes, choppers, fire crews, and the National Guard. There’s just too much wind. And, fighting fire on foot in 90-degree weather is heartbreaking. We can see towers of hot smoke from here, but the fire is about 40 miles away. We’re praying for those who have lost their homes, cabins, and beautiful trees to this dragon. This is a historic fire, in that we haven’t had one this bad since 1919.
There is a chance of rain in the forecast. Boy, do we ever need that! 90 degrees here, in May, is just crazy. Will is hauling manure out to the North Garden now, as the Sand and Central Gardens are all done. We’ll till again twice before planting, to keep the weeds down. Yes, we both have tried no-till gardening and that just didn’t work for either of us. And yes, we have plenty of soil microbes and earthworms! (Come see our harvest if you’re in doubt as to our over-tilling.)
Our squash, pumpkins, and watermelons that I planted indoors are now coming up. As the greenhouse is stuffed full, I have to put them out on benches, on the back deck so they get enough sun. The only downside is that if frost threatens, I have to bring them inside. Plus, I have to use a big watering can to water them, which is more work. The seedlings do look really nice, however.
We had another calf born. We’d been down at the cow yard, loading our friend Heather’s truck with rotted manure. Just about ten minutes later, Will came back to the house, saying a heifer was having her calf. That fast! Wow! He did have to help her a bit. But we now have another cute black bull calf. — Jackie
